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Miami Heat still exploring trade options to fill veteran void

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Who will these two be targeting in the coming weeks?

 

As training camp is slowly approaching, the Heat know they still have a void to fill.  We all know that Miami is looking to add a veteran presence at the point, and while there are still options out there, its difficult to gauge what exactly is going to happen.  Pat Riley has reiterated that the only way the Heat will add someone is through a trade, yet the rumors are still swirling about free agents Allen Iverson, Jamaal Tinsley, Bobby Jackson and a slew of others. 

For arguments sake, we'll look at some of the trade options/rumors that have been thrown around the past few days.  The Heat have reportedly spoken to the New Jersey Nets about acquiring either Keyon Dooling or Rafer Alston, who was shipped to Jersey earlier this summer in the Vince Carter trade.  The question with this move would be ‘who is Miami giving up?'.  The obvious choice would be Udonis Haslem, who would be an instant upgrade over Yi Jianlian, the Nets incumbent starter.

However, you have to wonder how willing the Heat would be to deal Haslem, which would mean that Michael Beasley becomes the starter.  Now assuming that Beasley comes out of his rehab problems ready to start the season, I've got no issues with that.  Sure, I'd miss Udonis Haslem, the hometown guy who gives 110% every second he is on the court...but I still firmly believe that Mike Beasley is going to be a star in this league and wouldn't mind him getting a starters playing time. 

That may also mean that Joel Anthony becomes the backup power forward, but that's a topic to tackle another time. 

Another possibility is a guy who the Heat showed interest in last offseason as well, Portland guard Steve Blake.  The hometown shooter (born and raised in South Florida) who is capable of being a more then reliable bench scorer who handles the ball extremely well would be a great fit in Miami.  He is a great passer who tied an NBA record last season with 14 assists in a quarter.  He also is coming off his best 3-point shooting season of his career, hitting 42.7% of his shots from beyond the arc. 

Blake may end up being the odd man out in Portland this season.  With newcomer Andre' Miller obviously getting the starting minutes, many people think that the guy getting the backup minutes will be youngster Jerryd Bayless.  Portland would also likely try to snag Udonis Haslem from the Heat, as they only have LaMarcus Aldridge to play power forward on their roster. 

Another option that I have mentioned before is Orlando Magic point guard Anthony Johnson.  For my take on this trade, you can check out this write-up from a few weeks ago

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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