The Miami Heat are determined to reach elite status again, and they are looking to be aggressive on the trade front before the deadline on Thursday. Miami is reportedly eyeing to strike a deal to acquire Lou Williams to bolster their playoff chances this season.
Heat wants Lou Williams to replace Dion Waiters
The Heat lost starting shooting guard Dion Waiters to a season-ending ankle injury. Losing Waiters is a big blow to Miami, as the 26-year-old guard is one of their top scoring options this season.
According to Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News, the Heat are looking to acquire Williams to provide the needed scoring punch in the second half of the season.
Miami is tagged as one of the most likely landing spots for the 31-year-old shooting guard.
Williams is having the best year of his career this season. The veteran guard is averaging career-highs 23.3 points and 5.3 assists per game for the Los Angeles Clippers. His strong play made him one of the most coveted players heading into the NBA trade deadline on Thursday.
It is unknown at this point, though, if the Heat are willing to give up valuable assets in a possible trade for Williams. Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported that Miami would be aggressive near the trade deadline, but they do not have a draft pick this year to offer in trades. Hassan Whiteside is not expected to be dealt as well.
Lou Williams might be taken off the trading block
Aside from Miami, the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, and the Detroit Pistons are reportedly interested in acquiring Williams. However, the 2015 NBA Sixth Man of the Year might eventually be taken off the trading block.
According to ESPN, the Clippers and Williams are currently negotiating for a possible contract extension.
The contract talks between the two parties have reportedly “gathered significant momentum” with less than 48 hours before the trade deadline. Once a deal is reached, Williams will be taken out of the trade market.
Williams is playing in the final season of his three-year, $21 million contract. His strong play this season might have convinced the Clippers to lock him up to a long-term deal instead of moving him before the deadline.
The possible extension will derail the plans of interested teams, as most of them were expecting the Clippers to part ways with the 13-year veteran. The Clippers appear headed to a full rebuild after trading away Chris Paul last summer and Blake Griffin last month.
