The Miami Heat have had a down start to the season. They have a 4-6 record and rank in the middle of the NBA in both offense and defense.
With their slow start, Miami has been the subject of many trade rumors. Most have centered around their All-Star forward, Jimmy Butler, who many expect to be traded before the trade deadline in February after Miami failed to deal him in the offseason.
Tyler Herro has also been brought up in rumors thanks to a stellar start to the season. The 24-year-old is averaging 24.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 47.9% from three. With his hot start, his trade value has increased, which could lead the Heat to deal him for another star to pair with their duo of Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Miami has been rumored to be interested in the Milwaukee Bucks' two-time MVP winner, Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they could end up pulling off a blockbuster deal for a different Bucks' star.
Before Damian Lillard was dealt to Milwaukee in the 2023 offseason, the Heat were his preferred destination. Of course, Pat Riley failed to land Lillard, who wound up in Milwaukee. With the Bucks struggling to begin the new season, changes could be coming, and Lillard may be on his way out of Milwaukee. If the Bucks choose to go this route, expect Miami to be in on landing the eight-time All-Star.
In a possible trade, the Heat could send Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jović and draft picks to the Bucks for Lillard and Gary Trent Jr.
This trade could work out well for both sides as Herro would provide the Bucks with another great scorer alongside Giannis. Robinson and Jović are also solid role players that would allow Milwaukee to work on trading away their other stars such as Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis to add another star.
For Miami, adding Lillard next to Butler and Adebayo would create a big three that could make them a threat at the top of the Eastern Conference. Lillard is currently averaging 26 points and 6.6 assists per game and would open the floor in Miami. Trent Jr. could also thrive in a change of scenery after being benched in Milwaukee.
While this trade may not make the Heat the favorite in the East, they could be a threat whenever the playoffs arrive as they look to win their first title since 2012-13.