The Miami Heat just got a nice win against LeBron James and the Cavaliers and now heading into the trade deadline, names like Jeff Green, Dion Waiters, Lance Stephenson or Wilson Chandler could be options and this comes as Andray Blatche is a free agent target once he comes back from playing overseas in China.
Miami is looking to get into a groove heading into the 2015 part of the schedule, as they are still under .500 after winning over the Cavaliers on Christmas Day. Dwyane Wade has played well this season and he looks energized post-James and now the team is likely to make one move before the deadline. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Marc Stein at ESPN.com reports that Miami may look at Andray Blatche as an option on the market, as he is currently in China and can be available in February.
The Miami Heat were interested in Josh Smith after losing Josh McRoberts to a season ending injury and now they may try and bring in Blatche. The tough thing with Blatche is waiting until the season in China ends, as Miami could make a move before that. Stein writes that the team is willing to wait, but that there is a chance they could add another big man ahead of his return to the states. Stein also added that Green, Waiters and Stephenson all could be options, but it's unlikely Miami would give up the assets needed to make any of those deals.
Miami could use Blatche in their rotation and he comes in after putting up 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 22 minutes per contest last season with the Nets. Miami and other teams were interested in Blatche this offseason, but no one signed him so he ended up going to Asia instead. Players in the Chinese league can't sign until the season ends and that comes in February. Stein writes that Blatche should have multiple offers once he comes back from China and that Miami could be one of the more appealing once.
Miami is just 14-16, but they are expected to be a playoff team and they have now won some big games heading into their matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. Wade has played well while leading the team in scoring and Chris Bosh has been sidelined recently, leaving more for Luol Deng to handle. Deng was the big free agent signing this offseason and he has been picking up where LeBron left off for Miami a bit.
Wade and Deng took over against the Cavs, combining to score 56 points as Miami won 101-91. Wade led the team with 31 points and now the team is two games under .500 as they get ready to play the best team in the league. Miami comes in ranked sixth in points allowed this season and 26th in points scored per game and that is one reason why they may look for some help at the deadline. The team is also 30th in rebounds per game and that is why they could some more help up front.