Many NBA Insiders have been wondering if the Miami Heat would get active in the trade deadline this season. Traditionally the team has made a few quiet moves, but has never engaged in a blockbuster deal. However, the Heat has seen some struggles this season as Dwyane Wade battles with injuries. While offers are coming in for players, the Heat appears set to not make any moves.
According to RealGM's Shams Charania reports the Miami Heat have received plenty of interest regarding point guard Norris Cole and have rejected every offer that has come their way. Cole was the 28th overall pick back in 2011 and Miami believes he is one of the best young assets to the team and a piece to continue building on for the future. Cole is currently making $1.13 million in the third year of his rookie contract and is on the pay roll for $2.04 million in the final year of his contract. Of course trading Cole could easily save Miami money that could be spent on the Big 3 this summer, but the point guard is too valuable to give away.
Right now, Cole is putting up career-best numbers after being a crucial player in the Heat's championship run last season. He is averaging 7.6 points and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 44.7 percent overall. Miami intends to keep him as a potential starting point guard of the future. Miami hopes that retaining Cole for the future will entice upcoming free agents like LeBron James and Chris Bosh to stay put and play with the emerging star.
Will the Heat try and make a last minute move before the deadline? The team has only shown interest in Chris Kaman and Caron Butler at this point and both moves appear unlikely. According to the Orlando Sun Sentinel, the Heat have called about both players and looked into the price tag for Ben Gordon. Miami is not looking to trade away any draft picks and do not really have any other tradeable assets besides Cole, so the chances a move is made are slim.
However, the Sun Sentinel does believe Miami could sign a free agent after March 1. Players like Marcus Camby, Richard Hamilton or Stephen Jackson are sitting on the market and would come cheap. If they slip through the cracks, Miami could make one signing.
