The Miami Heat need to be willing to part ways with Duncan Robinson if they want Kyle Lowry.
As we head into NBA Trade Deadline week, the Maimi Heat remains one of the teams most linked to Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry. Whether the Raptors trade him or not remains to be seen, but if they do the Heat will be among the teams pursuing such a deal.
However, the big question that Miami has to be asking itself is what would be a fair offer to send to Toronto? Essentially, what should the Heat give up in a potential deal without blinking?
According to The Ringer, the Raptors would require “at least” Duncan Robinson or Tyler Herro in any trade package for Lowry – two players that are arguably the team’s best assest that the team would consider trading.
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Robinson is a restricted free agent after this season but is also a player that Miami would like to re-sign. Herro had a breakout performance inside the NBA’s restart bubble last season and is considered one of the league’s best rising young stars.
Moving him for Lowry could be seen as rash on the surface, especially considering that Lowry is a free agent after the season (and the Heat would have salary cap space if they really wanted to sign him in a few months, after the season).
If I had to guess, I would expect Miami to be “willing” to part ways with Duncan Robinson if it meant they didn’t have to give up any of their other young pieces – Precious Achiuwa, KZ Okpala, etc. Though, that’s no guarantee.
Moving Herro would be a huge move and would likely need to require another player or draft compensation coming back to Miami. Herro is in the second year of his rookie contract and is an extremely valuable asset right now (even if he isn’t played at a high level right now).
I suppose the bigger question is how bad does the Heat want Lowry for this season. Is the team willing to, perhaps essentially, punt on this season and wait until the offseason to make a significant move?
Ultimatley, I’d be surprised if one of Miami’s final offer didn’t revolve around Duncan Robinson. Despite his struggles this season, Tyler Herro is simply too valuable the trade right now. Robinson is a good player but with his recent regression, isn’t a player that the Heat can afford to pay big money to during the offseason.
If the Miami Heat wants Kyle Lowry, it’s pretty clear that it’s going to cost them. Duncan Robinson seems like a fair price, however.