It’s been said that the worst place to be in the NBA is in the middle. The best teams in the league are – well, the best ones. On the other hand, the worst teams in the league can at least play the lottery.
On the other hand, others will argue that being as competitive as you can be is what counts. Look at the Miami Heat. Last year, this was a mediocre team – during the regular season.
In the playoffs, the Heat made a run to the NBA Finals. The middle wasn’t such a bad place to be in this case. Still, banking on replicating that success would be shortsighted.
The Heat’s Finals run won’t be easy to repeat. For example, a team like the Toronto Raptors is extremely unlikely to get to the Finals this year.
Should they trade OG Anunoby to the Heat?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Tyler Herro, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F OG Anunoby, F/C Chris Boucher
That said, the middle is more appealing to some teams than others. Some teams are free agency and trade request destinations.
As long as they’ve got a respectable product on the floor, they’ve got an opportunity to improve. The Heat are certainly one of those teams. They may be the premiere destination in the NBA for star talent.
Since LeBron James “took his talents to South Beach”, more stars have followed. This organization knows that they’ve always got a chance to attract talent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Updates
As for the Raptors? It’s complicated. Toronto is a huge market. It will be appealing to some. Still, it is in Canada – that has turned some American players off in the past.
Should they see if Herro is open to heading north of the border?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors are widely anticipated to make some moves this summer. Still, the nature of those moves remains unclear. Trading Pascal Siakam feels like an obvious plan. On the other hand, moving Anunoby is less urgent.
After all, he’s a bit younger. He’s also a more obvious fit alongside Scottie Barnes as a superior shooter. Still, if the Raptors are rebuilding, they may not want to hang onto a player who’s over 25. This organization could prioritize assets above all else.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Updates
Here, they’re landing a first-round pick and a swap. They’re also adding the younger Herro. That’s key for the Raptors. This core could use a guard who can create in the halfcourt.
Should Miami give that type of player up?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
There was another notable fact about Miami’s improbable Finals run. It happened without Tyler Herro. Naturally, this has invited speculation that the team is better without the volume-scoring guard.
We’re not sure about that. Still, one thing is clear – the Heat don’t need Herro. With that in mind, moving him would have to be an option. Still, Miami shouldn’t give him away. If they’re trading Herro, they should be looking for a quality player in return.
How about arguably the best 3-and-D wing in the NBA? Anunoby can play alongside anyone and improve his team in the process.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, Boucher is a useful combo big who can space the floor and block shots on the weak side. This deal could drag Miami out of the middle – if they even mind being there.
