Even though it’s over, Christmas is almost over. This indicates that the Miami Heat trade rumor season has officially begun, and that the NBA trade deadline is just six weeks away, according to Pat Riley, the president of the Heat. Even though there are a lot of positive aspects about this Heat team right now, there’s also a feeling that they’re just a few pieces away from being a legitimate contender for an NBA title. The star of the Bulls, DeMar DeRozan, is that piece, many around the league feel.
This is the rationale behind the latest trade proposal between the Bulls and Heat from Bleacher Report, which would give the Heat DeRozan’s seasoned presence at the four and provide Miami with a potent starting five: DeRozan, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo
Commencing at Five With DeMar DeRozan, A Ripe Old
Undoubtedly, there are drawbacks to these Miami Heat trade rumors. With DeRozan and Butler both 34 years old, this would be an elderly group. Nor is it a team that relies primarily on point-guard play. Similar to Herro, Caruso is a more natural combo guard, so the Heat would essentially be depending on the group’s collective playmaking ability to make up for the absence of a pure point guard. Everyone in that lineup is capable of dishing out five or more assists per game.
With Zach LaVine, the Bulls appear prepared to make a move, but with their other veterans, things are far less certain. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, there is genuinely interest in a new contract between the team and DeMar DeRozan; however, those negotiations have stalled. On the other hand, Chicago is considering offers for DeRozan.
“A trade still seems like the most likely outcome here, as rebuilding seems best for the Bulls.” The Heat may feel pressure to act now that Jimmy Butler is on the verge of turning 34 because they haven’t successfully landed a big player in a long time. Some of their best trade assets would have to be given up in order to acquire Caruso’s resilient point-of-attack defense and DeRozan’s inside-the-arc offensive ability.
