NBA Miami Heat Trade Rumors: Struggling Heat Need Big Man, Denver Nuggets Timofey Mozgov, Greg Oden, Dallas Mavericks Chris Kaman, Shawn Marion The Answer?
After dropping four of their last six games, the Miami Heat may be going through a midseason slump, or could be in need of some fresh legs.
Much of the Heat’s troubles have come on the boards, with Miami dead last in the league in total rebounds and 25th in rebound differential, which has added to clamors that the club is in the market for a big man.
One option for Miami is Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov, according to Fox Sports Florida. The seven-foot Russian could give the Heat a huge size boost, and his expiring contract makes him twice as attractive since Miami doesn’t want to add to a luxury tax situation that could cost them $34 million next season.
The Dallas Mavericks' Chris Kaman is seen as another option, especially since Dallas owner Mark Cuban has said he is open for trades as long as they don’t include Dirk Nowitzki. Kaman is averaging 13 points and 6.4 rebounds in just 24.6 minutes per game this season, and his contract expires at the end of the year. That could be $8 million in cap relief for a team.
Dallas can also offer small forward Shawn Marion, who has a career average of 9.2 rebounds per game. Marion is open to a trade as long as it is to a contender, but he is owed $9.32 million next season.
Miami’s desire for a big man has even made them consider a huge risk in oft-injured Greg Oden. The former No. 1 pick is reportedly planning a comeback, and Miami was mentioned as a possible destination. However, Oden’s agent, Mike Conley, said the Heat had not contacted him, but that Oden was also looking to join a team this season and not make his return until next year.
The 24-year-old Oden has appeared in just 82 games due to three micro-fracture surgeries since 2007, but his talent was evident after being drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He last played in 2010, appearing in 21 games averaging 11.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.
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