Credits IPA Agency
From an NBA market perspective, the Miami Hea are traveling with a 7,2 million margin under the first apron – but already hard-capped – and a mind-boggling arsenal of trade exceptions: 16,8, 14,1, 7,8 and 5,6 million, making them perfect predators before the February 5 trade deadline. Below is an analysis of their possible moves conducted by ESPN.
Pat Riley has one eye on Terry Rozier: that 26,6 million contract expiring, ended up under a dark cloud after the October arrest and immediate suspension from the NBA, has turned into a deadly wild card. One idea could be to use him in the race for Giannis Antetokounmpo, should the Bucks loosen their grip.
But Rozier isn’t the franchise’s only asset. Simone Fontecchio, with his 8,3 million expiring contract, is an attractive 38% three-point shooter, who arrived in the summer and has settled in perfectly in the Heat system. Fontecchio could therefore end up in several trade packages, perhaps paired with Rozier or the other expiring contracts such as Andrew Wiggins (28,2 million with player option) and Norman powell (20,5 million). All this without touching Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro.
The hard cap dictates caution, but the Heat’s available exceptions allow them to pursue talent without the need for an equal salary on the way out. therefore an ideal scenario to attempt an all-in, or a targeted upgrade. Miami also has no shortage of assets: its own picks in 2030, 2031, and 2032 (up to two of which can be traded in even-numbered years). Fontecchio and the others could therefore become expendable in the pursuit of playoff additions. Riley is a low-cost genius and knows how to turn potentially useful elements into golden opportunities. Could one of these lead straight to Giannis Antetokounmpo?