Heat would be interested in James Harden trade – Yardbarker

Miami would pursue a trade for Rocketsstar James Hardenif the opportunity arises, a source tells Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. The former MVP reportedly expanded his list of preferred optionsthis week, with the Heatand Bucks joining the Nets and Sixers.

According to the source, at least two members of Miamis management team have substantial interest in adding Harden and theres no significant opposition to the move. Outsiders have raised concerns that Hardens ball-dominant style might not fit the Heats philosophy, but the belief among the front office is that Harden plays that way because thats how the offense in Houston is structured.

The Rockets havent committed to putting Harden on the market, but the source says the Heat would be among the teams to make an offer in Houston moves in that direction. The source adds that Miami would be willing to include Tyler Herroto get a deal done. The Heat prefer to keep Herro, who made a huge impact during his rookie season, but recognize that players of Hardens caliber are hard to obtain.

Assessing the situation this week, ESPNs Zach Lowe suggested Herro is better than any single player that Brooklyn would be willing to part with, though he believes the Rockets would lean toward Ben Simmonsif Philadelphia makes him available. Lowe adds that he doesnt think any substantive talks have happened with any teams regarding a Harden trade.

Jackson notes that Miami has financial restrictions to consider. Because the Heat are above the salary cap, they would have to send out close to the $41.2M that Harden earns this season. League rules state that Miami can take back as much as 125% of the salaries it parts with in the deal, plus $100K. Andre Iguodala($15M) and Kelly Olynyk($12.6M) would likely have to be included in any offer, Jackson states.

Goran Dragic, Meyers Leonardand Udonis Haslem, who all re-signed with the Heat over the offseason, have veto power over trades and cant be moved before February 6. Free agent additionsAvery Bradley andMaurice Harkless also cant be traded until that date.

Jackson sees Miamis best offer as Herro, two players from the group ofPrecious Achiuwa, Kendrick Nunnand Duncan Robinson, along with Olynyk and Iguodala to match salaries and first-round picks in 2025 and 2027. The Heat and Thunder would have to remove protections on the first-rounder Miami owes Oklahoma City in 2023 for that deal to be possible.

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Heat would be interested in James Harden trade - Yardbarker