The Miami Heat were hoping to start the season the way they finished last year, but that has not been the case. Jimmy Butler and company have started slow and the team could look to make some roster changes. If they want to try to get back into NBA Finals contention, they should consider making a play to trade for Detroit Pistons veteran forward Blake Griffin.

Granted, Griffin is not the player that he once was. He isn’t explosive anymore and he isn’t a superstar, but he is a quality starter who can score when needed and adds versatility to the lineup in the front-court.

So far this season with the Pistons, Griffin has averaged 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He has shot just 36.4 percent from the floor overall and has knocked down 31.3 percent of his three-point attempts.

Why would the Heat go after an aging former star like Blake Griffin? Quite simply, they need more stability on the roster. Griffin may not put up 25 points per game anymore, but he can score when needed and has actually become a solid facilitator over the last couple of years in Detroit.

Another reason is that the Pistons aren’t going to be asking for a ton to trade Griffin. Simply getting out from under his contract would be a plus for them.

All of that being said, how could the Heat trade for Griffin and what would they have to give up to the Pistons to make it happen?

Looking at potential trade packages, the one that would make the most sense would be Kelly Olynyk, Andre Iguodala, and a 2022 second-round pick via the Nuggets. That would bring Griffin back in return. It would take two veteran role players, but Griffin could make a much bigger impact than the two of them combined.

Miami would not be hoping to see Griffin come in and be a 20-point scorer every night. Instead, they would be hoping for 12-15 points per game, solid rebounding, and the ability to handle the ball and create for himself and teammates. That is a role that Blake Griffin can still play.

There is a strong chance that the two teams don’t end up coming together on a trade. However, this would be an intriguing fit for both sides. If the Heat want to make a big roster move without trading away their top talent, this would be a way to get it done.

Expect to hear rumors surrounding Blake Griffin’s name as the trade deadline draws closer. The Pistons are expected to try and move him and the Heat would make a lot of sense as a potential landing spot.