The Miami Heat are poised to take their offseason in various directions this week, starting with Wednesday’s draft. Speculation is rife that team president Pat Riley might trade star wing Jimmy Butler, following an injury-plagued season and Butler’s desire for a contract extension the Heat are reluctant to provide.
This potential move would shift the team’s focus to center Bam Adebayo, moving away from the Butler-Bam partnership that reached the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023 without clinching a championship.
However, there’s also a scenario where the Heat aim for one more championship run with Butler, extension or not. In this case, the Heat would need to be aggressive in the trade market to strengthen their rotation and defense.
Miami Heat Could Trade Away Tyler Herro for Dejounte Murray
One player who could meet the Heat’s needs is Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, who is currently available. While not a perfect fit, Murray is a viable option, and Miami must consider how easily they could acquire him. Other teams are interested in Murray, so the Heat would need some luck. They’ve already caught a break, as one potential suitor—the Knicks—secured Mikal Bridges from the Nets.
“They can do a straight trade of Tyler (Herro) for Murray if they are willing to send the picks,” an NBA executive told Heavy Sports. “Will Atlanta want three picks? If the Heat can do Herro with two picks, that’s probably the sweet spot. Murray offers a two-way play, can run the offense, and play off the ball if needed.”
However, the executive noted that the acquisition of Terry Rozier at last year’s trade deadline and Miami’s willingness to take on his $51 million salary over the next two years might dampen their desire to add another point guard. Rozier could serve as a sixth man, but the Heat would need to be comfortable playing Murray and Rozier together for significant periods.
Dejounte Murray’s $114 Million Contract: A Value Deal
Trading Herro and two first-round picks (Miami can’t send picks until 2029 and 2031) for Murray might not be enough for Atlanta unless Murray’s market turns out to be particularly dry. Both Murray and Trae Young are reportedly available, but Murray’s contract and two-way abilities make him the preferable trade option.
Murray, despite not being a standout defender with the Hawks recently, has the potential to excel defensively given his 6-foot-5 frame and athleticism—attributes that earned him an All-Defense second-team selection in 2018 and an All-Star nod in 2021-22. Last season, he averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds, shooting 45.9% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc.
With a salary of $25.5 million for the 2024-25 season, Murray is just beginning a reasonably priced four-year, $114 million extension, making him a highly coveted player across the NBA.
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