It’s clear that the Miami Heat’s roster needs to be adjusted after Jimmy Butler’s sixth season concluded without the team winning an NBA championship.
The Heat must make a major move for either Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young if they are to have any chance of challenging for a championship anytime soon.
People may now make the argument that things would have been more competitive versus the Boston Celtics in this year’s playoffs if Butler had been healthy, but it probably wouldn’t have been enough anyhow. Miami runs the risk of squandering Butler’s entire career if it doesn’t make a big statement as soon as possible.
According to reports, NBA executives anticipate a “active” summer as franchises with large budgets “grapple with restrictions under the new collective bargaining agreement.” The Heat need to participate and make some roster changes.
The only people who should be off limits are Butler and Bam Adebayo; everyone else should be available in an effort to acquire Mitchell or Young.
Some Heat fans are likely cringing at the idea of Young in a Miami uniform, but his talent is undeniable.
The Heat have needed good, consistent point guard play for a while, and Young would help. Yes, Terry Rozier was a solid acquisition, but does he really move the needle? He also had some injury issues toward the end of the regular season and missed all of Miami’s postseason run.
Young is known for his scoring prowess and lack of defensive acumen, but the Heat desperately need an offensive point guard. For four of the previous five seasons, the team’s points per game ranking has been in the lower half of the league. Young would be beneficial in that aspect since he is a superb playmaker, a reliable 3-point shooter, and he has a remarkable aptitude for drawing fouls.
The most exciting thing, in my opinion, about Young joining the Heat would be his potential to elevate Adebayo’s offensive abilities. Young is perhaps the league’s top alley-oop passer, and since Dwyane Wade left, Adebayo doesn’t seem to have had a reliable source of quality lob passes. Between the two, the pick-and-rolls would be
With Young on the squad, I don’t think it’s hyperbole to suggest that Adebayo might raise his scoring average to about 24 points per game.
Though I understand that supporters may be worried about his defense, I believe Erik Spoelstra could find a way to conceal him and surround him with adequate defense.
I’ve now come up with a four-team contract that I believe benefits all parties, led by Young.
