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Heat Urged to Trade for Former DPOY Following Blockbuster 3-Team Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Simon | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Miami Heat shocked the NBA sphere on Monday the franchise decided to pull off a monster 3-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz.

After welcoming ex-Clippers guard and 21.8-point scorer Norman Powell aboard with their latest transaction, the Heat's front office could remain aggressive as the 2025 offseason continues to roll along.

Powell's acquisition by the Heat will provide their All-Star guard Tyler Herro with another capable on-ball threat and talented shot-creator, but the franchise could shift its focus towards finding elite defensive talent on the perimeter.

With the team now in the midst of garnering status as a dark-horse title contender, ClutchPoints' Jedd Pagaduan recently suggested that the Heat must target 2022 Defensive Player of the Year winner and ex-Boston Celtics guard, Marcus Smart, via trade.

"Smart has endured a difficult past two seasons, playing in just 54 games combined during that span," Pagaduan wrote Tuesday.

"But when healthy, he's shown flashes of being the lockdown 3-and-D guard he's been throughout his career."

Smart has suffered through a few devastating injuries in recent seasons, but his defensive intangibles continue to shine through.

"But perhaps he finds himself rejuvenated with the Heat's training regimen, and if Miami manages to nurse him back to full health, he'd be a valuable backcourt piece, giving the Heat a lockdown defensive backcourt duo with him and Davion Mitchell."

After a tumultuous 2024-25 campaign spent while splitting time between the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, Smart will likely aim to help a contender next season.

Though the 31-year-old guard contributed just 9.0 points and 3.2 assists while sporting an atrocious 48.8% effective field goal percentage in only 34 appearances, the 3-time All-Defensive Team selection's intensity on that end of the floor remains consistent.

Yes, Smart's career has taken a sharp turn since his tenure with the Celtics came to a close in 2023, but his postseason experience (including a trip to the 2022 NBA Finals) and career 108 defensive rating per 100 possessions could serve as just qualification for the gritty guard to earn a spot in the Heat's 2025-26 rotation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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