Five Low-Cost Targets For Miami Heat At NBA Trade Deadline

A breakdown of five under-the-radar forwards who could make an impact, according to Bleacher Report

The Miami Heat are in a kind of purgatory less than three days from Thursday’s trade deadline. 

The eighth-seeded Heat are playing well enough to make the playoffs, but not competing at a championship level. They lack two things — draft capital and large, moveable contracts — that make a big acquisition possible. However, the Heat are elite at identifying and developing undervalued players.

Here are five forwards that would bring low-cost versatility and offensive upside to the Heat according to a recent story by Bleacher Report.

Simone Fontecchio

The part-time starter for the Utah Jazz is only averaging nine points, but is shooting 45.2 percent, 39.4 percent from the arc. That efficiency, especially off the Heat bench, could make a big impact. Fontecchio’s offensive potential was on full display in two 24-point games, both Jazz victories.

Santi Aldama

Aldama oozes potential. The Memphis Grizzlies’ 7-footer is the definition of a stretch four, shooting 34.8 percent from the three-point line on 4.8 attempts per game. A big man who can make shots from deep is always valuable. The 23-year-old averages 10.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in 24 minutes per game, but had a game of 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists against the powerhouse Boston Celtics.

Naji Marshall

Marshall is more defensive specialist than offensive threat. The New Orleans Pelican has a 114.5 defensive rating, which compares favorably with Jimmy Butler (115.7). Marshall doesn’t shoot often but is relatively accurate. The 6-foot-6 forward averages 7.4 points, shooting 44.7 percent and 37.1 percent from the arc.

Saddiq Bey

The Atlanta Hawks’ swingman is the most well-known player on this list. Bey was a First Team All-Rookie selection in 2021. The 24-year-old has not been able to rediscover that magic and has struggled with efficiency. Bey is averaging 12.9 points, but shooting 41.3 percent and a career-worst 30.3 percent from three. The Heat have a well-earned reputation for rehabilitating guys like Bey.

Yuta Watanabe

Watanabe is the least likely of the five to make an impact. He has fallen out of the Phoenix Suns’ rotation and is only averaging 3.7 points. Watanabe, who is shooting 36 percent, offers little on the offensive end. Despite his shortcomings, he does offer good size (6-foot-9) and work ethic on defense. 

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Nick Crandell is a staff contributor at Inside the Heat.

He can be reached at nick.crandell33@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @nickcrandell

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