Should the Miami Heat revisit a potential trade for James Harden?
Two games into the 2020-21 NBA season, the Miami Heat has flashed some of their high ceiling but also has shown some weaknesses in their game and why many don’t believe they’ll be able to repeat as Eastern Conference champions in 2021.
Miami opened its season with a loss to the Orlando Magic and then turned around with an impressive win on Christmas Day against the New Orleans Pelicans. Sitting at 1-1, there are many reasons to be both encouraged and discouraged from this team’s start to the season.
Internally, one big reason why Miami should be at least somewhat concerned is the play of Tyler Herro and the health of Jimmy Butler. Through two games, Herro is averaging 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists on just 38 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent shooting from 3-point range. Not exactly picking up where he left off in the playoffs last season.
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Additionally, it’s been two games and Jimmy is already missing time due to an injured ankle. That’s not ideal, considering there are still 70 games and then a playoff run still on tap for Miami. Question is, are these early-season concerns enough for the Heat to be forced to revisit a potential trade for James Harden?
Harden is coming off his regular-season debut in which he scored 44 points, dropped 17 assists, and grabbed four rebounds – all on 55 percent shooting from the field and 46 percent shooting from 3-point range. If there’s one team that should’ve been paying attention, it should’ve been the Heat.
Harden is exactly what the Heat need. He could carry the offense when Jimmy is off the floor and when Bam Adebayo is off the floor and as he continues to grow into a comfort level on that end of the floor. He would also fit with what the team is missing most in its starting lineup – a legit playmaking starting point guard.
A trio of Harden, Bam, and Jimmy, regardless of what’s behind them, might be the best top 3 that the Eastern Conference has to offer and would rise the Heat’s ceiling higher to anything this current core can this season.
It’s time for the Miami Heat to revisit a potential James Harden trade. It might be the best option for both parties right now and for the remainder of this season.