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5 Players the Miami Heat Should Consider Trading For This Offseason

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5 Players the Miami Heat Should Consider Trading For This Offseason

Carmelo Anthony Knicks
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Based on the belief that Goran Dragic will remain in South Beach, the Miami Heat will not have much cap space to work with this NBA Offseason. Unfortunately, the team's trade pieces aren't fantastic either. Between a couple of undeveloped incoming sophomores and washed up big men, the Heat don't have much to offer. Then there is the Top-10 protected draft pick Miami has. That is a game changer and here are 5 players worth trading for.

5. Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza Rockets
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5. Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza Rockets
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This is a long shot, but Miami desperately needs a versatile swing man that can shoot. That player could be Trevor Ariza, but it seems all but impossible to pry him away from the Houston Rockets. Ariza is a 99.9 percent lock to stay in Houston, unless some epic collapse in the Western Conference Finals changes something. This isn't going to happen, but it is fun to think about and is exactly what Miami needs.

4. Tiago Splitter

Tiago Splitter Spurs
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4. Tiago Splitter

Tiago Splitter Spurs
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This has more backing, but is still a long shot as far as Miami is concerned. There have been early and light rumors that the San Antonio Spurs are interested in shopping Tiago Splitter. Other than a swingman, the Heat also really need someone who can hold down the paint and rebound the basketball. Hassan Whiteside is showing great promise, but it would be nice to have someone reliable as well.

3. Taj Gibson

Taj Gibson Bulls
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3. Taj Gibson

Taj Gibson Bulls
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The Heat have always lacked a "bad boy" character since Alonzo Mourning retired. Chris Andersen has tried to fulfill that role, but his previous run-ins with the league have dampened his attitude from his appearance. Well, since the Chicago Bulls' playoffs exit, the rumors have been flying and the newest is that Taj Gibson is on the trade block. He'd be a heck of a backup to Chris Bosh and the Bulls might want that draft pick.

2. Michael Carter-Williams

Michael Carter-Williams Bucks
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2. Michael Carter-Williams

Michael Carter-Williams Bucks
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The latest news out of Milwaukee is that Michael Carter-Williams may not be a keeper for the Bucks. Unlike the previous three candidates, who are set to make upwards of $8 million next season, Williams is just over $2 million. Miami might be able to hang onto the draft pick in this case because Milwaukee could be happy with a savvy veteran or two.

1. Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum Blazers
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1. Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum Blazers
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This is one swingman that Miami might be able to land. The Portland Trail Blazers are faced with the tremendous task this offseason of keeping LaMarcus Aldridge, who will more than likely earn a max contract. The Blazers will do anything they can to keep Aldridge, meaning Nicolas Batum could be shipped off. With a draft pick and options such as Mario Chalmers, the Heat could land Batum.

Shane Phillips is a Miami Heat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].

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