Spurs Reportedly View Heat as Potential Partner in Trade Talks for DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge
By Mark Powell
With the team at a crossroads of Western Conference playoff contention and a much-needed rebuild, Gregg Popovich and Co. have some very important choices to make come the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline.
San Antonio still has some attractive assets in DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge, and should they want to move forward with a younger core, there's no question they could fetch a nice return for either former All-Star.
The Heat, for one, are intrigued.
NEW: Exploring Heat’s trade options, some things to keep in mind approaching trade deadline and why 2021 space isn’t the total deterrent it might appear: https://t.co/0deMdgFVX2
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 17, 2020
Pat Riley doesn't have a rebuilding bone in his body, meaning Miami is already planning their next free agent push while also trying to improve the current roster, which currently sits at second in the Eastern Conference.
The one thing in their favor is that both DeRozan and Aldridge have large financial sums attached to their names, meaning Miami might be able to acquire them below market value.
The San Antonio Spurs remain undecided on what to do with LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan, but view the Miami Heat as a potential trading partner if they do decide to make a deal, per @flasportsbuzz.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 17, 2020
Riley has a history with both players, as well. The Heat pursued Aldridge and DeRozan in free agency years ago, and the interest is clearly still there.
It's unclear if any trade would be a packaged deal, but the acquisition of one (or both) players would dramatically increase the Heat's chances of taking down he Bucks come playoff time.