In a few respects, the Miami Heat’s trade on Tuesday was long overdue. It was high time club president Pat Riley took action to help salvage this disappointing season, which was hindered by a lacklustre offence and was probably not going to go very far in the NBA postseason. And for Kyle Lowry to actually leave, it was about time. He was going to run out at age 37.
Miami made a wise decision by forcing his declining career onto someone else and receiving a significant, instant improvement in exchange.
At 78 years old, Riley the maestro is in the off-season of his own career, but he is no longer required to run or shoot. All he has to do is use his cunning to persuade a willing trade partner that they did more than just agree to take your dead wood, saving you money.
Yes, he did. Thus, the Heat received Lowry and a protected first-round draft pick in 2027 from Charlotte in return for combo guard Terry Rozier, who has a career-high 23.2 scoring average.
(Watch for the Hornets to attempt to trade Lowry to the Knicks or another team.) On the surface, Riley got a great deal in this trade. In addition, Lowry’s $29.7 million contract with the Heat expires, and Rozier gains a player.
From the time they selected LaMelo Ball in 2020, Charlotte felt Rozier was unnecessary; however, up until this point, Rozier had been playing too well and producing too much to be parted with.
An additional advantage is that Rozier is the seasoned player with a high basketball IQ, making him a perfect fit for Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra’s Heat Culture. He also desired to play in Miami.
said that as the NBA’s trade deadline of February 8 drew closer, he had a preference for the Heat. Fans of the Heat have learned the hard way that a player’s whim doesn’t always matter. Throughout the offseason, Damian Lillard pleaded and pushed Portland to trade him to Miami; however, he was ultimately dealt to East rival Milwaukee, which was a devastating setback.
It worked out with Rozier. (And I’m not sure if adding Rozier is better for Miami. or selling Lowry at last? Win-win.) The Heat are receiving a much-needed boost at midseason, sitting at 24-19 in the East after three straight losses. This season has confirmed what the offseason attempted to tell us:
that while the Heat stagnated due to Lillard’s failure, the better teams in the conference had made significant progress. The Boston Celtics currently hold the best record in the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks are tied for second place.
Joel Embiid scores 70 points for a Philadelphia team that is gaining ground. And with the Rozier deal, we witness Miami attempt—or at least try—to retaliate.
