The Miami Heat have been off to a slow start this season and if things don't improve, Miami could look at trade deals at the deadline, as names like Jeff Green, Dion Waiters, Tayshaun Prince, Randy Foye and Gerald Green could be potential names on the market to give Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Luol Deng support as the new Big 3.
Miami made a number of free agent moves over the summer to help offset the loss of LeBron James, including signing Josh McRoberts, Danny Granger and Luol Deng. The team has been up and down to start things off and they are currently third in the southeast division and they are two games under .500 heading into the middle stretch of December. While it's likely too early to panic about making a playoff run, Miami could look at some targets on the market as the trade deadline gets closer.
Michael Wilbon spoke last week about the Stephenson trade rumors and he said that a team with a veteran style locker room would be a good fit for Stephenson if he is moved. Wilbon cited the Miami Heat and LA Clippers as potential destinations for Stephenson, as they both have locker rooms that are led by veterans and that could help keep his attitude in check. Wilbon added that Stephenson has as much talent and potential as anyone in the league, but his attitude and maturity issues could get in the way of fulfilling that promise.
Stephenson could give the Miami Heat a major boost and while this deal is unlikely, it could be a fit for Miami, as they are averaging just 94 points per game. The team is 10-12 on the season after losing to the Denver Nuggets and they have to get things going, as the Hawks and Wizards are both improved and look like actual threats in the division. The Wizards were right there last season and they could end up winning the division, while the east is no picnic overall with the Raptors, Cavaliers and Bulls all looking good as well.
Jeff Green is a player that likely will get moved, as the Celtics know he has a player option coming up and he likely will opt out. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the market for Green is expected to be a top option for teams if he opts out and some execs have said the attention will be greater than that for his teammate Rajon Rondo. The money will not be the same, but teams will be going after Green, who is a solid scorer and defender and could be big for playoff contenders.
Tayshaun Prince, Dion Waiters and other players will be on the block this season and the Cavaliers are interested in adding a big man, with names like Timofey Mozgov and Brook Lopez potential targets. The Heat could look at Lopez as well, but they likely will look on the lower end of things when it comes to trading players. Stephenson is an intriguing option and he has all the talent in the world, but he needs an attitude adjustment this season. Stephenson is averaging 10 points and seven rebounds a game for the Hornets.
