NBA Trade Rumors: Miami Redirects Heat To Holiday, CP3 Scratched

The Miami Heat are raising eyebrows but this does not mean they are satisfied with their current cast. Most know how they were linked to Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder but it appears all that has fizzled. Now, there is word that the Heat may be looking at other options. A plausible target is Jrue Holiday of the New Orleans Pelicans.

As mentioned in a previous post, the Pelicans are ready to listen to offers for the 29-year-old guard. With their NBA campaign sputtering, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are off the market. Holiday may be far from his usual numbers but all that could change if he joins another team. The Heat could be that team if team president Pat Riley can do something to accommodate his hefty contract. The 17th pick of the 2009 NBA Draft is due $26 million this year and $27 next NBA season.

For Riley, Holiday is a more realistic target. Kevin O'Conner of The Ringer cited league officials in saying that the interest in Paul is as good as gone. Instead, Miami is looking for sensible targets and the 6-foot-3 guard is it.

Should the Heat and the Pelicans get the deal done, Holiday could be a great compliment to Kendrick Nunn. He can also provide added help to Jimmy Butler since he owns a good three-point shot and defends well. But the question is who will Miami give in return?

It won't come as a surprise of Dion Waiters is included in the package. He has been in hot water for the entire NBA season. Kelly Olynyk may also be included in the package as the Heat try to unload some salaries. Unfortunately, the only way the Pelicans may agree is if there is a young player of future picks in the potential trade.

A third NBA team could be added to the mix to make it all work. It seems like a complicated situation but nevertheless doable. If not Holiday, there are other guards on the Pelicans roster that could be of interest to the Heat. That includes Lonzo Ball or even Josh Hart.