3 trade targets that can help the Heat fix their biggest roster flaw

For most of his tenure with the Miami Heat, coach Erik Spoelstra has relied on small-ball lineups. It worked against smaller teams at times, but the team had some size issues with this setup.

In several of the Heat’s losses this season, they have been hit on the glass. Rebounding is a crucial part of winning basketball games as it gives the team more control with this advantage. Spoelstra has tried three different frontcourt pairings alongside Bam Adebayo so far: Nikola Jovic, Kevin Love and most recently Haywood Highsmith.

Each player has provided insight into what works and also revealed flaws. Kel’el Ware’s draft gave Heat fans a lot of optimism about finally solving this ongoing size problem, but it was clear that he is too raw. This team could benefit from having an established big, although the fit has to make sense considering what would fit Adebayo.

Several big players are expected to be available before this year’s NBA trade deadline. Let’s dive into three options that could be tempting to finally fill this hole in Miami’s rotation.

The Milwaukee Bucks have gotten off to a slow start this season, but it seems like they can finally turn that around. However, this is a second frontcourt team that was recently eliminated in the first round to justify its financial limitations. If they plan on adding some depth and pulling off a heavy contract, Bobby Portis is a prime candidate to make it happen.

Portis is a great two-way pairing for Adebayo, bringing size and rebounding, but most importantly, outside shooting. This allows the Heat to grow larger, but maintains floor spacing and offensive versatility. Portis is a career 38% from 3-point range. At just 29 years old, he can impact the game both indoors and outdoors.

Nikola Vucevic is an attractive name that could make the Heat bigger and more top-heavy. The Chicago Bulls big man is putting up consistently strong numbers this season with 20.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and 0.8 steals. His shooting efficiency is at a career high of 58% from the field and an impressive 47% from deep.

Chicago has been stuck in mediocrity for several years. It seems like every season they are viewed as potential sellers before the trade deadline, and this season will most likely be no different. Vucevic comes with slight defensive limitations, although he has looked better in that regard recently.

Even at the age of 34, he immediately became, along with Adebayo, the most talented big man of his entire career.

The Atlanta Hawks have been in the same selling position as the Bulls in recent years. They’re nowhere near real contenders, but not bad enough to make the draft lottery. An eventual franchise trade is always a possibility, and Clint Capela would be another potential addition that could fix the Heat’s biggest mistake.

Capela has carved out a career as an elite rebounder, averaging 10.6 boards per game in his 10 seasons in the league. He is also a very efficient offensive player, having used nearly 61% of his fielders so far this season. At 1.80 m he is a bit smaller, but plays much taller than he is.

Capela is a capable rim protector and provides a really big presence, although his outside shooting limitations could make him a questionable match for Adebayo.