By Kevin Barral
In the simplest way to answer the proposed question, yes. The Miami Heat can indeed find
themselves a power forward for the upcoming season. In fact, there are many options available in
the trade and free agent market to acquire a reliable player at the position.
LaMarcus Aldridge: FA
One of the players that seem to have been on the radar for Pat Riely has been the former Portland
Trailblazer, San Antonio Spur, and Brooklyn Net. After leaving the Spurts, Aldridge stayed
consistent and put up a solid amount of points which lead to a good amount of playing time and
production.
Miami is a team who has been interested in Aldridge for a long time and makes sense in terms of
where the Heat are with the small amount of cap space and the lack of pieces to be involved in a
trade. Aldridge makes a lot of sense for the Miami Heat.
Carmelo Anthony: FA
Before Carmelo signed with the Rockets, Miami had an interest in Melo and thought that he
would be a good fit with how he can stretch the floor and move the ball very well. Melo would
also be able to sign just over the vet minimum and start right away for Miami and be a good
player to fit with Bam Adebayo.
Trevor Ariza: FA
The final free agent on the list is a former Miami Heat player himself, Trevor Ariza. Ariza was
dealt to Miami in the 2020-2021 season in exchange for Meyers Leonard and instantly provided
more 3-point shooting and solid defense. Coming back to Miami would land him a starting role
and would move the Heat more toward a small-ball mentality with his height. Ariza would be
worth the vet minimum and would already know the system.
Wendell Carter: Orlando Magic
Wendell Carter is one of the lesser-known players, but would be a nice fit for a contending Miami
Heat team and would have little to no role on a rebuilding Orlando Magic team in a couple of
seasons.
His fit on the Heat would be a nice one next to Bam Adebayo. Carter has improved his 3-point
game and can help out big-time in the paint as he was also a center himself.
Jae Crowder: Phoenix Suns
One of the best players in the 2020 bubble for the Miami Heat was Jae Crowder, but he was not
retained after taking an offer from the Phoenix Suns that offseason. Crowder had his well-lived
moments on the Suns, but after not being promised a starting role for the upcoming season, he
and his agent have begun looking for trades.
Miami is a team that he is very familiar with as he played for them and knows the system well.
He had success with the team as well as that performance in the bubble may be what earned him
his contract in Phoenix. The Heat trading for him makes perfect sense, but the issue is what
Miami sends back as there are few trade assets to trade away to match contracts.