Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin. (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA Trade rumors are at fever pitch just a couple of days before the deadline and a grim development with the Miami Heat might change their game
plan.
There were reports that Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh missed the All-Star game (and was replaced by Al Horford) because of a calf strain. However, it was later determined that the injury might be related to another blood-clot issue-similar to what caused him to miss the last 30 games of the regular season in 2015 (and eventually led them to the lottery).
While Bosh still has to meet with doctors to map out their plan of action, the implication for the rest of the team and its future was tackled by Sun Sentinel writer Ira Winderman.
"We're potentially talking about someone's quality of life," Winderman said. "That's the first concern, ahead of both the season and even Bosh's NBA career. But obviously it would have a huge impact on the Heat's short-term approach going forward. The Heat not only could find themselves looking for a shooter -- and, as it is, Bosh is the Heat's best 3-point shooter -- but also for someone to play power forward."
There are a lot of teams looking for power forwards, but the Heat may have to search for someone on a franchise player level if they are to take Bosh's place. With the talks surrounding Blake Griffin, it seems inevitable to make the connection.
Prior to Bosh's health issue, there were already rumblings about Miami possibly searching for a younger, go-to player and someone like Kevin Love came up earlier in the season, and shifted to Griffin after the incident.
SB Nation proposed a Blake Griffin for Chris Bosh trade, but that would no longer be applicable if Bosh's health is indeed in threat. The Heat would have to use their other main asset, Hassan Whiteside but to make the salaries work, they would have to add other players like Luol Deng, Chris Andersen and Josh McRoberts' expiring contracts to the pot.
Other possible modifications could be including Lance Stephenson (which Doc Rivers would like to get rid of) and having Beno Udrih returning for the Clippers. That will work out in the ESPN Trade Machine.
The priority for the Heat is Bosh's well-being, of course, and this trade is just speculation on the possible steps the Miami brass might take.
