NBA Rumors: Miami Heat Linked To Sharpshooting Forward

The Miami Heat have a missing piece at the forward position. The loss of PJ Tucker has created a hole, and while one big man has already been linked to the team as a possibility, now an NBA executive suggests another forward as a 'Plan B' for the Heat.

Report: Gordon Hayward could be a plan B move for the Miami Heat https://t.co/c0NJ8z1ZIm
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) August 4, 2022

“I think a guy they will keep an eye on is Gordon Hayward,” the NBA exec told Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney.

The source even went on to suggest a trade return for the Charlotte Hornets, that, frankly, most Heat fans would find ridiculous.

“If you want to give up [Tyler] Herro before you pay him and you want to move [Duncan] Robinson, you would have to add a pick, but those two guys and Omer [Yurtseven], that might be enough to get Hayward if the Hornets decide to reconfigure. It’s a short-term move for Miami, but they need to make their move now. You can play him at the 3 and go big or go small at the 4. He’s a guy they’ve had interest in before.”

Herro, Robinson, Yurtseven and a pick for Hayward? That sounds a little rich for Pat Riley & Co.

Hayward is making $30M this coming season, and is owed another $31.5M in 2023-24, before becoming a free agent. He has trouble staying healthy, as the last time he played in more than 52 games was the 2018-19 season.

He averaged 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season for the Hornets in 49 games.

Herro, meanwhile, won Sixth Man of the Year in the 2021-22 season, averaging 20.7 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. He is due, however, for a big extension.