The Miami Heat are known for pursuing top-tier talent to win championships and are looking to do so again this summer. There has been significant speculation about the team potentially trading Jimmy Butler, who has led them to three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals in the last five years. However, Bill Simmons of The Ringer proposed a trade that would allow Miami to retain Butler and Bam Adebayo while acquiring a top offensive point guard from the Atlanta Hawks.
Simmons suggested trading Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Miami’s 2024 draft pick, and an unprotected 2029 first-round pick for Trae Young. On his podcast, Simmons highlighted that Trae Young embodies the competitive spirit of the Heat and would be a great fit for their culture. He described Young as fearless and a warrior, characteristics that align well with Miami’s ethos.
The Hawks hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft and have faced early playoff exits in the past two years after a promising run to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2020-21 season. The acquisition of Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in 2022 did not significantly impact their performance, prompting analysts to predict a potential reset for Atlanta. This reset could involve trading either Young or Murray.
Murray’s contract is relatively favorable, spanning four years and $114 million, keeping him with the Hawks through the 2026-27 season, with a player option afterward. In contrast, Young’s five-year, $215 million contract runs for two more seasons with a player option in 2026-27, making him the more likely candidate for a trade.
Young’s elite offense and playmaking could be invaluable for the Heat. Over his six-year career, he has averaged 25.5 points, 9.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. He has twice averaged over 28 points per game and maintains a career 3-point shooting percentage of 43.6%, making him a potent offensive threat for Miami.
Herro has been a solid performer for Miami, averaging 18.1 points per game with a 38.5% shooting accuracy from deep, though he is known for his streaky shooting. Duncan Robinson, signed to a five-year, $90 million deal in 2021, has struggled with consistency. His 3-point shooting percentage and playing time decreased significantly after signing the contract, though he improved last season.
For the Heat to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference and support Butler, acquiring an impactful player like Trae Young could be crucial. Young’s offensive prowess and competitive nature make him a strong candidate to elevate Miami’s performance next season.
Leave a Reply