The Miami Heat are a common destination for superstars in trade discussions. Two years ago when then-Portland Trail Blazers guard was on the trade block, Miami was rumored to be interested. This past offseason, Phoenix Suns star and former MVP Kevin Durant was rumored to be interested in joining Miami before being traded to Houston. Now, with the numerous reports coming out of Dallas regarding general manager Nico Harrison's future with the Mavericks, many are wondering if they will be selling their stars. Anthony Davis could be a target for the Heat.
SB Nation recently proposed multiple trades revolving around Davis. The Heat were one of a few suitors.
The trade proposed:
Heat acquire: C Anthony Davis
Mavericks acquire: G Tyler Herro, C Kel'el Ware, F Simone Fontecchio, 2029 first-round draft pick
For the Heat, adding Davis would be a big splash. For what feels like over and over again, Miami misses out on adding a true superstar. The last real franchise-changing deal made for the Heat was the Jimmy Butler sign-and-trade deal with the 76ers in the 2019 offseason. That could be viewed more as a free agency signing but the Heat had to give up their young reliable wing Josh Richardson to get it done.
Davis has always dealt with injury concerns throughout his storied career. During the early years in New Orleans, he only surpassed the 70 games played mark twice while still being lauded as one of the best power forwards in the NBA. He struggled with injuries in Los Angeles as well but was able to win a ring alongside LeBron James during the bubble playoffs. Even with his struggles to stay on the court, he has established himself as one of the best players in the league. The infamous trade involving both Davis and Luka Doncic this past February sent the NBA world into a frenzy. People were quick to criticize Dallas for trading a young superstar but adding Davis was nothing to scoff at in the slightest.
In Miami, Davis would play on the court opposite Bam Adebayo. It is certainly an upgrade over Kel'el Ware, who the Heat are sending as part of this proposed deal. Ware had a solid rookie season but his inconsistencies have been more apparent so far this season. Parting with Tyler Herro would sting for Miami but with his contract extension decision looming, the Heat could package him for a superstar-level player rather than just losing him to free agency if they don't extend his contract.