While the Miami Heat are focused on the final stretch of the NBA regular season and subsequent playoffs, there are some people already taking a look at what the franchise could do in the offseason.
Many people likely would say there isn’t much they need to do, as the Heat is in first place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 45-24, 2.5 games clear of the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Alas, the Heat aren’t a team that will get complacent. If there is an opportunity to make a move that will get them closer to the ultimate goal of winning the Larry O’Brien trophy, they will pull the trigger.
Pat Riley has shown in the past he is willing to do whatever it takes to put a winning product on the court. If that means cleaning house to accommodate stars, as he did to obtain LeBron James and Chris Bosh, he will do it. In recent years, the team parted ways with some assets to acquire Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Executives See Miami Heat Making Big Move Soon
No matter what the situation may call for, Miami is prepared for it. They are one of the best-run organizations in the NBA and win a lot of games because of it.
If they are going to swing a big trade this offseason, one of the players who could be on the move is Duncan Robinson. Robinson signed the largest contract for an undrafted free agent during the 2021 offseason, agreeing to a five-year, $90 million deal. But, he could be on his way out of town with four seasons remaining.
Robinson’s drop in 3-point shooting percentage and other players, such as Gabe Vincent and Max Strus emerging, is enough reason to see if anyone would be willing to trade for him. But, the Heat could also be motivated for monetary reasons.
“Moving Robinson also presents a clear avenue for Miami to once again avoid the luxury tax next season. The Heat have only been taxpayers once since the 2013-14 season, according to salary-cap data provided to B/R. PJ Tucker’s $7.4 million player option presents an interesting opportunity for further flexibility. Perhaps Miami could agree to retain Tucker at a smaller annual number but with more remaining years on the agreement.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Executives See Miami Heat Making Big Move Soon
Avoiding the luxury tax is something that Miami has been very good at doing. It has enabled them to have the flexibility to make more moves and is something they will likely try to accomplish again this upcoming offseason.
If they can move Duncan Robinson without taking on a significant salary, it would be a huge win for them. It would provide them the chance to fill out some other holes on the roster depth-wise, such as the frontcourt, without worrying about potential penalties from being a tax-paying team.
