Breaking: Heat trade proposal swaps Tyler Herro for former Lakers champ

Heat Trade Proposal Swaps Tyler Herro for Former Lakers Champ

The Miami Heat, facing financial constraints, are open to trade options this offseason. Tyler Herro, frequently mentioned in trade rumors last season, is again a topic of discussion. Zach Buckley from Bleacher Report suggests a trade sending Herro to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma.

Buckley notes the Heat’s concerns with Herro’s reliability, as he hasn’t played more than 66 games in any of his five NBA seasons. He also questions the defensive viability of a Herro-Terry Rozier backcourt. Trading Herro for Kuzma could address these defensive issues and bring in a 20-point scorer with championship experience, having played a key role in the 2019-20 Lakers’ title run.

Would a Herro-Kuzma Trade Benefit the Heat?

Buckley believes the 29-year-old Kuzma would strengthen the Heat’s defense, noting the team’s struggle to find balanced two-way players. Kuzma, while not as proficient a shooter as Herro (33.7% vs. 38.5% from 3-point range), is a better rebounder. Kuzma’s seven-season experience (four with the Lakers, three with the Wizards) and his recent averages of 20.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game contrast with Herro’s 20.5 points, 4.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds over the past three seasons.

Financially, trading Herro for Kuzma would save the Heat about $5.5 million, as Herro’s salary cap hit is $29 million for the 2024-2025 season, compared to Kuzma’s $23.5 million.

Considering Herro’s potential and Kuzma being in his prime, this trade might be a lateral move for the Heat. If Herro is included in a trade package, the Heat might aim to add another superstar alongside Jimmy Butler.

Heat’s Offseason Moves

So far, the Heat have signed veteran swingman Alec Burks to a one-year, $3.3 million deal. With 14 players under contract and limited financial flexibility, the Heat are $1.2 million short of the second tax apron, making trades a sensible option for roster changes. They have also re-signed key role players like Kevin Love, Haywood Highsmith, and Thomas Bryant, indicating a potential strategy of maintaining their current lineup.