The Miami Heat could be an active team at the trade deadline, as reports have them interested in Goran Dragic and Reggie Jackson, while Brook Lopez and Taj Gibson are also potential targets if they look at trading guards Norris Cole or Mario Chalmers coming out of the All-Star break to help Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Dragic has become the top target this season at the deadline, as the Suns know that he is not going to sign an extension and now may be looking to trade him. According to ESPN.com, Marc Stein reports that Dragic has informed the Suns he will not re-up with the team and his agent gave them a list of teams he prefers, including the Knicks, Lakers and Heat. Other reports have the Boston Celtics and Kings interested in a deal. Stein reported earlier in the week that the Lakers want Dragic and they plan on offering him a four year max contract this summer.
Miami has had a tough time adjusting to life without LeBron James and they are currently under .500, but still in the mix for a playoffs spot in the eastern conference. According to the Miami Herald, Barry Jackson reports that the Heat are interested in Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic and Thunder guard Reggie Jackson, who is heading towards restricted free agency. Pro Basketball Talk reports that Miami also is looking at Jameer Nelson as a potential trade option on the market.
Jackson is set to be a restricted free agent this summer, while Dragic has an option and is expected to hit the market. ESPN.com reports that both Jackson and Dragic have been made available in trades, but the Suns have a high asking price and want at least a first round pick for him. Dragic is also reportedly a target for the Los Angeles Lakers and is expected to get plenty of attention on the market this summer. Marc Stein at ESPN.com reports that the Lakers may offer Dragic a four year deal worth $80 million this summer.
The Chicago Bulls have been getting calls about Gibson this season and reports have the Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, Clippers and Detroit Pistons as potential options along with Miami. Earlier in the season ESPN.com reported about the Miami Heat trying to get in on a three team trade with the Nets and Thunder that would have included Brook Lopez, but that deal did not work out. The Nets have been shopping Lopez, Deron Williams and Joe Johnson and Miami could pick back up on that as the deadline gets closer.
The Heat are right in the mix for the east playoffs at the bottom of the standings and they would like to make some moves at the deadline to get better on offense. The team has dealt with injuries and they could look at adding Dragic, as the Suns appear ready to deal him. Lopez could help with rebounding, as the team is ranked 30th in boards per game, while Gibson also could be a target. The team has Hassan Whiteside as a breakout player and they will look at signing him after his contract is up as well. Miami has 22 wins this season and they are third in the southeast division.
