NBA Rumors: Miami Almost Dealt Away Prized Rookie For Italian

KEY POINTS

Nunn and Olynyk were dangled to the OKC Thunder
Heat failed to resolve short-term agreement with Italian
Heat may go after Gallinari in the summer again

The Miami Heat were able to add some key players although they fell short of a shooter. Danilo Gallinari was widely believed to be another piece following the Andre Iguodala trade, but nothing transpired. While adding the Italian would have given them better offense, the South Beach squad has visibly gotten better in terms of talent.

Aside from Iguodala, the Heat also ended up with Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill. Gone are Dion Waiters, Justise Winslow and James Johnson who were sent to the Memphis Grizzlies. Of the three, Waiter was waived although it was mentioned in a previous report that the 28-year-old guard is drawing interest from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gallinari would have been a prized addition to the Heat although falling short may have been because of what Miami offered. Until now, there was no word on who Pat Riley offered to the Thunder. According to the Bleacher Report, the Heat allegedly offered Kendrick Nunn, Kelly Olynyk, Johnson and a pair of future picks for the Italian. But if appears the issue on consummating the trade was because Miami failed to come to a short-term extension agreement during talks.

Offering Nunn comes a bit of a surprise considering the 24-year-old guard has been performing well for the Heat. This season, Nunn has averaged 15.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 49 games per Basketball-Reference.com. The rookie is one of the supporting cast backing Jimmy Butler so hearing him involved in a potential trade is a bit surprising.

The case is different for Olynyk. The 28-year-old veteran has been pinch-hitting well when called upon by head coach Erik Spoelstra. However, his contract has become a concern for the Heat. The Canadian is in the third of a four-year $50 million deal and Miami seems far from satisfied that they are getting their money's worth.

With the NBA trade deadline done and over with, the Heat should be fine with their haul. They are currently at fourth spot of the NBA Eastern Conference with a 35-18 win-loss record. The chase for Gallinari may have not produced favorable results although Riley and crew can try again this summer. Miami could offer something different by then. For now, it is all about figuring out how deep the Heat can go in the coming NBA playoffs.