The Miami Heat were not supposed to advance to the NBA Finals last season. This was one of the all-time great underdog stories in the league.
The Heat found their way into the playoffs via the play-in tournament. That doesn’t usually lead to a Finals trip. How did this happen? There are a few explanations.
To be sure, the Heat got somewhat lucky. Still, give the Heat credit. This team doubled down on shooting, and it paid off. Surrounded by floor spacing, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo led the Heat to the Finals.
Will it happen again this season? Well, it’s not looking probable. On the other hand, it didn’t look probable last season. If Miami made a significant trade, they could become serious contenders again.
Could they land Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F Jerami Grant
The Portland Trail Blazers were not supposed to miss the NBA playoffs last season. Sure, nobody had them pegged for the Finals. They still underperformed.
That was the last straw for Damian Lillard. That’s fair. The Blazers had missed the playoffs in the prior season as well. This team has been underperforming for quite some time.
Now, they have no expectations – the Blazers are officially rebuilding. It’s been an interesting start to their new era.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat Updates
Anfernee Simons looks like a star, and Shaedon Sharpe is coming along, but Scoot Henderson is struggling as a rookie. Either way, it’s time for the Blazers to give the reigns to their young core.
Does that mean trading Grant?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Sure. With that said, trading Grant may not be easy. He’s on a long-term, expensive contract. His play, in a vacuum, is worth an unprotected first. Still, in context, he probably won’t net one for the Blazers.
So, a protected pick ought to do. It’s worth noting that Miami typically avoids the lottery – there’s a decent chance this pick will convey.
On the other hand, there are benefits in this trade for Portland, even if it doesn’t. After all, Lowry is on an expiring contract.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat Updates
There are a lot of financial savings involved in this deal for Portland. Meanwhile, Lowry would be a perfect mentor for the talented young guards on this roster.
Should Miami part with him?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
The Heat almost made a big trade this summer. Everyone around the NBA knew that they were linked to Damian Lillard. Does the Heat need a point guard?
Arguably, yes. If so, this deal could be problematic for them. They’re not bringing a point guard in – they’re sending one out. Are we sure about this?
Yes. Grant would be a massive upgrade over Lowry in terms of impact. By adding him to their core, he’d give Miami one of the best frontcourt defenses in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, they can likely replace Lowry on the buyout market. Ultimately, this is about getting back to the NBA Finals. Count Miami out at your own risk.
