Chris Paul. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul could emerge as a trade target for Miami Heat

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 9/28/23

The Miami Heat missed out on Damian Lillard. A summer of flirtatious glances amounted to nothing. After losing Gabe Vincent and Max Strus, the Heat are a weaker team than the one that went to the NBA Finals earlier this year. Miami is expected to actively pursue a new star talent in the trade market.

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor believes Chris Paul could be the star Miami turns their attention toward. Erik Spoelstra has a strong track record of getting the best out of aging talents. Paul would slot into Miami's starting lineup as the primary ball handler.

"Let’s say things go poorly for CP3 with the Warriors," O'Connor wrote. "Not many teams need a lead point guard, and not many teams could offer playoff-ready assets in return. Miami could, though."

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor mentions Chris Paul as a potential trade target for the Miami Heat

“Let’s say things go poorly for CP3 with the Warriors. Not many teams need a lead point guard, and not many teams could offer playoff-ready assets in return. Miami could, though.”… pic.twitter.com/AaqUEaGFRq
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 28, 2023

Currently, Paul is expected to come off the bench for the Golden State Warriors. Steve Kerr has remained tight-lipped regarding Paul's potential role in the upcoming season. As such, the veteran guards' presence in the Bay Area is deemed a risk. There's a chance things don't go to plan, and Paul requests a trade. That's where Miami would come in.

However, the Heat have already dealt with one trade saga this summer. It's unlikely they would wait on the sidelines in the hope another trade can materialize out of thin air. The Heat need to move quickly if they don't want to struggle out of the gate.

Missing out on Lillard would have stung Miami. Seeing Lillard go to the Milwaukee Bucks would have hurt some more. However, the Heat can't sit around and lick their wounds. After a summer of treading water, Miami needs to upgrade its roster, and it needs to do it quickly.

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