Heat Sign-and-Trade Proposal: Caleb Martin for $45 Million NBA Champion
The Miami Heat have limited flexibility for roster improvements due to a packed salary cap. However, one potential way to enhance their rotation this summer involves a sign-and-trade deal.
Caleb Martin declined his $7 million player option for the 2024-25 season to enter free agency. According to Bleacher Report Live Stream, Martin is seeking around $20 million annually but might realistically secure slightly less from the right team.
A potential option for Martin, which could also benefit the Heat, is a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown, a versatile player who won a championship with the Denver Nuggets in the 2022-23 season.
“Sign-and-trade: Bruce Brown for Caleb Martin,” suggested Bleacher Report Live Streamers on July 2. “If Caleb’s leaving, why not give Miami the cap flexibility with an expiring contract in Bruce Brown? Brown could fit well with Miami, and the Raptors get a much-needed wing.”
Bruce Brown’s Eclectic NBA Career
Bruce Brown has had a varied career, playing for the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Raptors over six years. He was notable with the Nets, often starting despite being 6-foot-4 and playing in the front court with stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Brown averaged a career-high 11.5 points per game as a small forward for the Nuggets in 2022-23, playing 80 of 82 regular-season games and contributing significantly to their playoff success.
The Pacers signed Brown to a two-year, $45 million deal in July 2023, with the second year being a team option now held by the Raptors after a trade in January 2024.
Brown has career averages of 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.9 steals. He is a 33.7% career 3-point shooter, though he shot nearly 36% from deep during the Nuggets’ title season and 40.4% the year before with the Nets.
Caleb Martin’s Impact and Potential Departure
Caleb Martin, who had a standout performance in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, will be a significant loss for the Heat. Last season, he averaged career-highs of 10.0 points and 2.2 assists as a part-time starter (23 starts in 64 games). During the Eastern Conference Finals, Martin averaged 19.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, shooting 48.9% from three-point range.
Martin’s departure would leave a gap, but Brown’s versatility could help fill the void. Martin and the Heat lost to Brown’s Nuggets in the Finals in five games.
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