Who Are Two Names The Miami Heat Could Target At Trade Deadline?

The Miami Heat had a big offseason, adding Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, as part of that trade, the Heat parted with four players and also lost All-Star guard Norman Powell to the Chicago Bulls in free agency. Despite making the big franchise-swinging move by getting Antetokounmpo, there have been concerns about the team's lack of depth. The Heat made a lot of stop-gap veteran moves to fill holes on the bench for the upcoming season. Even with the great moves made, the upcoming trade deadline is expected to be loaded with talent this season if the Heat need to make a drastic change by that point. Here are two names who could potentially be available and may be a solid option to add to Miami's rotation:

1. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets

Over the past two seasons, Gordon has missed most of each campaign but has been productive throughout his tenure with Denver. After being dealt to the Nuggets in 2021, he became one of the NBA's quiet stars while playing well and winning a title alongside future Hall of Famer Nikola Jokic. Last season, in a limited sample size, Gordon averaged 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from three-point range. A trade for Gordon probably wouldn't be insanely hefty, given his extension now kicking in along with the fact that it seems Denver wants to build a new unit around Jokic. If that's the case, Miami could get a pretty strong forward for a decent package without totally breaking the bank.

2. Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

This is the big one. Durant, 37, could reportedly be on the move once again if Houston is in a mediocre spot by the deadline. Last offseason, there was reported mutual interest between Durant's camp and Miami but Pat Riley was reluctant to part with the team's young talent such as Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic. Now, with two of those players gone and a new superstar in town, Durant could be interested in joining the franchise. Durant's value is seemingly not as high as it was just a season ago and a trade surrounding Andrew Wiggins and Jovic would make sense. The Heat would have the small forward, power forward and center positions set with Durant, Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. It would be hard to contend against the notion of that trio being the strongest "Big Three" in the entire NBA.

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