The Miami Heat are searching the trade market this week to add a power forward before the deadline hits on February 8.
The Miami Heat are finally turning their season around. After a rough start to the year, they have gone 22-12 in their last 34 games to solidify themselves as a team that can challenge the top of the conference. Given the roster they have, this is a significant achievement as the Heat have been playing without a real power forward in the rotation.
The Heat have been using Caleb Martin at the four even though the player is primarily a wing. Their need for a power forward has been evident all year and it seems the trade market is how the Heat wants to improve their roster. They're looking for power forwards in the last week before the trade deadline, according to Jake Fischer.
“The power forward position has clearly been one that Miami is at least engaged in conversations, let’s say, to try to upgrade on. I don’t really see a ton of options on the board.”
Putting a big body alongside Bam Adebayo is crucial for the Heat. They played P.J. Tucker in the position last season and have been scrambling to replace him ever since his departure to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Who Can The Heat Target This Winter?
The Miami Heat have been linked to various forwards around the league, with Jae Crowder being a notable name they're interested in. Crowder is a former Heat and was integral to their run to the Finals in the bubble. Outside of him, another former Heat, Kelly Olynyk has been linked to the squad.
The team could make a splash if interest in Kyle Lowry around the league allows them to leverage it for rotational players without giving up picks, as the Heat have only 2 tradeable second-round picks as assets. They've tried dealing for John Collins as well, so the Heat do have options. Maybe they could even look at a Thaddeus Young in Toronto.
The options are plentiful and it'll be fun to see what the Heat prioritize in the next week.
More must-reads: