Now let’s get crazy.
This move would signify a giant shift in the way the Heat play basketball. However, Miami has never shied away from zagging when the rest of the league is zigging. Many people credit the 2016 Golden State Warriors for pioneering the small-ball era of NBA basketball, but it was Coach Eric Spoelstra and the Heat that were the first to truly embrace the concept as early as 2012.
Now that small-ball has taken hold of most NBA teams, the Heat would have the opportunity to once again go against the grain and reinvent themselves.
Garland is a true point guard that provides primary ball-handling abilities and is an adept passer, a combination not seen in Miami since perhaps Jason Williams in the 2000's. While his play last season noticeably dipped from the level he had been playing at the two seasons prior (21 points and 8 assists per game), he is only 24 years old and there’s no reason to think he can’t reach those numbers again, if not surpass them.
In Allen, the Heat would have their first true rim-protecting center since Hassan Whiteside. Adding such a player would allow the Heat to move Adebayo to the power forward position, which could unlock him further as he would not be tied to the opposing team’s biggest and strongest player each night. It also could push him to expand his long-range shooting – a prospect that has had Heat fans drooling for years. Allen’s primary role would be defending and rebounding, but he certainly can hold his own on the offensive side of the ball as well, averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game in two of the last three seasons.
This deal would give Spoelstra something he has rarely had during his tenure: a traditional lineup with several chess pieces to use in any given game situation.
The Why:
As was mentioned in the Mitchell trade scenario, the Cavaliers are at a bit of a crossroads. They want to extend Mitchell and build around him and Mobley, and that may lead to the team moving on from talented players that don’t exactly fit their new build, such as Garland and Allen.
So let’s say the Cavs are able to lock Mitchell into another contract. Their next step may be clearing the books to move forward in their new direction.
The How:
Cleveland may want to get a third team involved here in order to facilitate this trade in a way that allows them to avoid taking on too much long-term salary, but Miami has the contracts needed to make the money work.
Simplest potential trade package:
Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2024 first round pick, 2029 first round pick
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