The NBA 2020 trade deadline looms, and teams are searching for ways to make adjustments that will boost their campaign in the season. There are title-chasers, and there are rebuilders. The former would be looking for quick solutions while the latter are hunting to acquire talents for the long-term.
The Miami Heat will most likely advance in the season and could be a strong contender for the title, but the team has to make key changes to get the required boost. Overall, Miami is a solid performer so far, but picking up on what is available in the trade market will not hurt at all.
According to CBS Sports, the Heat must shop for a dependable power forward and if possible beef up on the point guard department. On the first requirement, the automatic pick has to be Kevin Love, and he is certainly available.
Cleveland has already announced trade proposals on Love will be entertained, so the Heat front office should make the inquiry. In case he joins up with Miami, Love's adept passing skill should open up offensive possibilities for his teammates. And his ability to sink threes when it matters is surely a welcome bonus.
To make an upgrade on the point guard post, Spencer Dinwiddie, who is willing to come off the bench, is a more than a decent option for Miami. Luring Kyle Lowry could be possible, but Dinwiddie is a more realistic decision for Pat Riley.
The Celtics have been rumored to be targeting a big man that will be integrated on the team's already vaunted rotation. On this, a candidate that readily comes to mind is Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons.
However, Boston sealing on a trade deal seems unlikely as team officials have made clear that core players should be considered untouchables. It seemed unlikely that the Pistons, for instance, will let go of Drummond with no chance of bidding on a core Celtics asset such as Gordon Hayward.
In Philadelphia, the most pressing need is a consistent scorer and playmaker in a single package. There are speculations the Sixers do want to take a shot at Oklahoma's Chris Paul, who is the perfect fit for what the 76ers are looking for.
It appeared though that convincing Paul to switch now is easier said than done unless the Sixers are willing to absorb what OKC owes to the All-Star.
Yahoo Sports said it will be remote for Paul to decline his player option as doing so will potentially make him lose an annual salary of over $44 million in 2022. The guard sees no guarantee that teams trading for him will match what OKC will pay him in the next three years.
On its part, Oklahoma is fully aware that Paul is in top form even at 35. Yahoo said OKC would make the playoffs this season and likely in the next, so keeping Paul in the roster is part of the team's long-term plan.
