The Miami Heat improved its roster and made a splash at the NBA trade deadline. The Heat traded Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters and James Johnson in a three-team deal with the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves. Winslow and Waiters were sent to the Grizzlies for Jae Crowder, Andre Iguodala and Solomon Hill. Johnson was moved to the Timberwolves for Gorgui Dieng.
Memphis and Miami are focusing on a two-team deal on Andre Iguodala, with Miami and Oklahoma City still unable to reach an agreement on a three-team trade that would land Danilo Gallinari with the Heat, league sources tell ESPN. Talks are fluid until 3 PM.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020
The Heat was able to acquire Iguodala, former NBA finals MVP, as seen in the tweet above from ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski. The Heat also looked to be in the race for Oklahoma City Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari. Those trade talks ultimately fell through due to Gallinari and the Heat failing to agree.
Iguodala has been absent this year after refusing to play for the Grizzlies. National media laughed at the pickup, but I would love to remind everyone that the same media had an Iguodala-Lakers partnership as a match made in heaven. He hasn’t played this season but shouldn’t be forgotten as a very nice piece for a contending team.
Miami has agreed to trade Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters and James Johnson to Memphis for Andre Iguodala, Solomon Hill and Jae Crowder, league sources tell ESPN. No picks in the deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020
The Heat and Iguodala came to an agreement on an extension of two years and $30 million in total. The team wanted the same for Gallinari. However, the Miami Herald reported that Gallinari demanded the third year of his potential deal guaranteed. The contract with Iguodala includes a team option for 2021, the Giannis Antetokounmpo free agency year, and Gallinari was not interested. The Heat was still able to get rid of the toxic contracts from Waiters and Johnson, which is a major win for Andy Elisburg and the godfather Pat Riley.
The unfortunate asset being dealt away in this deal is Winslow. He was seen as a future star for the Heat and even signed an extension over the offseason. With injuries and his place seemingly gone when he would return, he had to be sacrificed. Most didn’t think it would happen, but Winslow will get a new opportunity with a young Grizzlies team.
One More Time pic.twitter.com/eByIoNu3Ji
— Miami Heat Beat (@miaheatbeat) February 6, 2020
Fans were rightfully upset with the Winslow trade and Miami Heat Beat reposted a song made last year. A mock of “Better Now” from Post Malone. It’s sad to see Winslow go, but it’s better for Heat fans to cheer him on for his future endeavors.
Jae Crowder is the most underrated piece in this transaction. He is looked at in a very weird light in NBA circles, but brings the toughness and grit #HeatCulture requires. He and Iguodala will deliver some fresh faces to the Heat locker room.
