Those rumors will only get stronger thanks to a recent podcast that Sports Illustrated writers Rohan Nadkarni and Chris Mannix did. Both stated that the Heat ought to think about dealing Toronto Raptors center OJ Anunoby for Herro and two first-round picks.
“I think Tyler Herro and two firsts would be a good haul for Anunoby,” Mannix stated. “… Anunoby provides them with the guy they require. They require an additional defender, ideally a three-and-D player who can match up with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Khris Middleton, and all the other players they will face in the postseason. In the upcoming months, they’re undoubtedly a team to keep an eye on. As of now, they are merely mediocre. Butler is correct, Jimmy: “We’re mediocre.” I’m not sure if relying solely on health will.
Despite Herro’s hot start before sustaining a sprained ankle this season, both feel Anunoby would make the Heat more competitive in the Eastern Conference. The notion is Anunoby gives them a better defensive presence but would once again put the offensive burden on Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Sports Illustrated on Fan Nation’s Inside The Heat channel. Since 2010, he has covered the NBA.
