The Miami Heat have gotten off to a slow start this year, and currently sit seventh in a cluttered Eastern Conference. They're looking to make some moves to improve their team to not only ensure they do get into the playoffs, but to get a better seed once the postseason rolls around. Who are the guys they will go after to make that happen?
Lance Stephenson, SG, Charlotte Hornets
Stephenson is the player that Heat fans hate the most due to his antics during the Eastern Conference Finals as a member of the Indiana Pacers last season, but he's failed to fit in with the Hornets. Charlotte is openly trying to trade him, and his skills align perfectly with what Miami needs. He would provide them with a desperately-needed perimeter defender, more outside scoring, and an above-average passer. If the Heat want to look past their history with him and think their locker room can handle his personality, this move would make a lot of sense.
Kenneth Faried, PF, Denver Nuggets
Denver is stuck in basketball no-man's land - they have a roster that's good enough to keep them respectable, but they're not good enough to make the playoffs. Their front office is looking to make some moves to rebuild their team, and Faried might be the first guy to go.
According to a report from ESPN, Faried is not popular in the Nuggets locker room, and isn't well-liked in the organization. Denver gave him a four-year, $50 million extension extension after his outstanding performance with Team USA this summer, and if Miami is willing to pay Faried that much, the Nuggets would gladly send him to the Heat. His rebounding would serve as a nice complement to Chris Bosh, and his energy would help improve Miami's fast break.
Jose Calderon, PG, New York Knicks
Miami ranks 20th in the league in assists, and they could really use someone help move the ball on offense. It's clear Mario Chalmers isn't the answer, and the Knicks have made everyone available to trade. The Heat could find an immediate upgrade in Calderon, who had great success with Chris Bosh when the two played for the Toronto Raptors. He's a pass-first point guard who has valuable experience, and could serve as a mentor to Shabazz Napier.
Who do you think the Heat should try to trade for? Leave a response in the comments!
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