NBA Trade Rumors: How the Miami Heat could make a big splash at the deadline

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
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The big move that the Miami Heat could explore at the trade deadline

If the Heat wanted to make a move at the deadline, there’s one clear candidate that would probably have the best chance at significantly improving this team’s chances at making a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference. And that’s Buddy Hield.

Many Heat supporters have been clamoring for a starting-caliber power forward or even a backup center. And yes, those are both positions that the Heat would do well in improving. However, the biggest need that the Heat has heading into the trade deadline is when it comes to shooting. It’s probably the biggest reason why the Heat has looked like a shell of itself compared to last season.

Last season, the Heat was one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the league. This season, they’re one of the worst. And Hield may be the perfect player to help on that front.

Averaging 18 points and five rebounds per game, Hield is one of the better 3-point shooters in the league – hitting at a 42 percent clip on nine attempts per game. I’m not sure if the Heat turns its shooting around if they’ll look exactly like the team that finished just a few minutes from an NBA Finals berth, but it’s worth a try.