Playing Around with Miami's Trade Options

So I just stumbled upon this awesome tool ESPN has on their website called "Trade Machine." It simulates all possible trades that can be made in the NBA, by taking into account multiple teams' salary caps, roster space, and other factors in order to determine whether a trade is possible or not. As a result of playing with this cool gadget I tried some interesting trade scenarios that the Miami Heat could consider (although most are not likely, it's still enjoyable to imagine).

Since the Miami Heat's number one priority before the trade deadline would be a center who can rebound, block, defend, and score in the low-post, I began to look at potential big men that are somewhat plausible options. Here are the trades i simulated:

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Heat & Hornets

Shawn Marion
Salary: $17,810,000 Years Remaining: 1
PTS: 12.1 REB: 8.9 AST: 1.8 PER: 16.22

for

Tyson Chandler
Salary: $11,350,000 Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 8.8 REB: 8.3 AST: 0.5 PER: 14.19

Rasual Butler
Salary: $3,630,000 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 9.6 REB: 2.8 AST: 0.8 PER: 12.12

The way that the Hornets have been playing this year is sub-par compared to what their potential is and what their record was last season. This trade will unlikely happen, but it's still a possible option with a small percentage of availability. I'm not sure the Hornets are ready to give up their big man, but I'm sure Chris Paul can envision countless alley-oop passes to Shawn Marion from all over the court. Marion will definitely fit into the Hornets system and the same for Chandler in the Heat.

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Heat & Kings

Shawn Marion
Salary: $17,810,000 Years Remaining: 1
PTS: 12.1 REB: 8.9 AST: 1.8 PER: 16.22

for

John Salmons
Salary: $5,104,000 Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 18.6 REB: 4.2 AST: 3.6 PER: 16.41

Brad Miller
Salary: $11,375,000 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 11.9 REB: 8.0 AST: 3.4 PER: 15.95

Although this trade is easily compatible for both teams when it comes to salaries, I highly doubt this is a "top option" for Pat Riley. There's no doubt Brad Millers on the list, but at the same token, he isn't a piece that would make Miami a playoff contender. John Salmons would add some scoring to the team and is a good compliment to the trade, but once again, it doesn't make Miami an elite team (at least in my opinion). If this happens, let's hope that Miller's career is rejuvenated and he proves us all wrong.

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Heat & Raptors

Shawn Marion
Salary: $17,810,000 Years Remaining: 1
PTS: 12.1 REB: 8.9 AST: 1.8 PER: 16.22

Marcus Banks
Salary: $4,260,000 Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 2.6 REB: 0.9 AST: 1.4 PER: 8.82

for

Jermaine O'Neal
Salary: $21,372,000 Years Remaining: 1
PTS: 13.7 REB: 6.9 AST: 1.6 PER: 16.80

In all likelihood, this would be the most plausible trade option for Miami (money wise and stats wise). Everyone has been talking about this trade, nothing has happened yet, and Pat Riley is sitting in his "War Room" ready to make a move. Most people believe that on his list, this is the first item, and that it's only a mater of time before he pushes "the red button" to make the deal happen.

Update (February, 2009): Our prediction was correct, except we didn't predict Jamario Moon into the equation.

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Heat & Suns

Shawn Marion
Salary: $17,810,000 Years Remaining: 1
PTS: 12.1 REB: 8.9 AST: 1.8 PER: 16.22

for

Amare Stoudemire
Salary: $15,070,550 Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 20.9 REB: 8.2 AST: 2.0 PER: 20.40

This would be the "Grand Slam, Interception for a Touchdown, Alley-oop, Goooooooal!" that would put the Miami Heat over the edge. A tri-combo like Wade, Beasley, and Stoudemire would definitely put the Heat up there with the Orlandos, Clevelands, and Bostons of the NBA world. Will it happen? I don't know. Is it in the talks? Absolutely (according to ESPN). The only downside to the supposed trade is that some reports claim that the Suns would also like Michael Beasley in return, and Riley has already said no to that option. We'll see how this deal may work out - if it ever does.