‘Realistic’ Miami Heat Trade Proposal Lands $222.7 Million All-Star

Give the folks at Bleacher Report some credit when it comes to out-of-the-blue Miami Heat trade rumors: they’re daring. Certainly, their most recent effort qualifies. The deal is described as’realistic’ in the headline, and it is certainly something the Heat would have to consider if it were on the table. However, with Karl-Anthony Towns at the center, it is a long shot for Pat Riley and the Heat.

According to B/R’s Zack Buckley, the proposed deal is as follows:

Karl-Anthony Towns to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jović and a 2028 first-round pick

In terms of developing a greater talent level on the club, most Miami Heat fans could get behind that. Towns is a super-talented big man and three-time All-Star who averages 21.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game and is on the cusp of reaching the coveted 50-40-90 mark. He shoots 49.8% from the field, 39.8% from 3-point range, and 91.9% from long range.

“The Heat could use more scoring, creation and long-range shooting, though, and Towns checks every box,” Buckley said in a statement. “He could widen the offensive end for Miami’s downhill attackers, and the team could provide him with a more defensively versatile frontcourt partner in Bam Adebayo.”

 

That $222.7 Million Karl-Anthony Towns Extension Looms Large

All of this is correct. However, three fundamental hurdles stand in the way of a Miami Heat trade rumor of this scale, two of which Buckley mentions.

The first is that the Timberwolves aren’t exactly in a seller’s market right now. The Wolves are the best team in basketball, going 13-4. Towns has long resented being a No. 1 option, and now that Anthony Edwards has taken over the team, Towns is in a more comfortable complimentary role. There isn’t much motivation to move him—except to cancel his contract. More on that shortly.

The second is that Jimmy Butler, the Heat’s cornerstone component, and KAT have a deep and mutual dislike for each other that dates back to Butler’s brief stint in Minnesota in 2019, when he was so dissatisfied with Towns’ work ethic that he forced a trade.
“An in-season trade of Towns feels highly unlikely, and a reunion with Jimmy Butler feels even harder to imagine,” Buckley wrote in his column.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, the Heat’s refusal to take on Towns’ four-year, $222 million agreement, which begins next season. The Heat want to keep their payroll as lean as possible in the future.
If the Timberwolves want to get rid of Towns because of his contract, then the Heat would not want him for the same reason.

Miami Heat Trade for a PF Is Possible

Still, when it comes to Miami Heat trade rumors, Buckley may be on to something that most people overlook. Yes, the Heat want more scoring, but asking around the NBA, the assumption that they’re eager to find a guard and a playmaker is simply not correct. They’re fine with Kyle Lowry completing out his deal this season because they haven’t seen anything practical on the market that is a substantial upgrade over him.

If the Heat make a move, it will most likely be for a versatile power big who can guard numerous spots out to the perimeter while still providing some offensive pop. A 3-and-D big guy would complement the lineup nicely.

Caleb Martin has returned from injury for Miami, which helps. However, the Heat would prefer to improve in that position. Towns would be an upgrade, without a question, but he is not a good fit, both personally and monetarily.