Even though the LA Lakers and Miami Heat did not make it to the Conference SemiFinals this year, there will be a lot of trades associated with both teams to make certain that the 2016 season is better than ever. Here is what we currently know about the NBA Trade Rumors for the LA Lakers and Miami Heat.
Most of the news surrounding the LA Lakers is very Kobe Bryant centered. Considering that the 2015-2016 season will be the final year of his contract expiring, it is unknown what will happen once he makes his $25 million. Bryant, who is 37 next season, had still not made it clear if he will play when next season begins.
CBS Sports reports that LA Lakers would trade No. 2 pick D'Angelo Russell "tomorrow", this is would complete a deal for Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. They don't really believe that this trade will happen right away, as there is a long game being played here. Chances are, the salaries are not going to work unless more is sent to the Lakers, and the Kings will want more for Cousins.
A separate report from CBS Sports says that DeAndre Jordan of another LA NBA team, the Clippers, is meeting with several teams to discuss his playing status which include the Clippers, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Is he shifting LA teams? Most sources point to Jordan heading to the Mavericks.
As for the Miami Heat, the big news is that Michael Beasley's third stint with the team has ended, according to ESPN.com. The Heat have declined their $1.3 million option to keep Beasley for the next season, which means that this player will be a free agent on Wednesday.
Other players in the Heat who are...in the heat of the spotlight include Dwyane Wade, who is today facing a midnight dealine to pick up his $16.1 million player option or become a free agent. Considering that he is a career Miami player, it is most likely that he will be declining this option.
Sports World Report also says that the Heat has many issues to deal with in free agency apart from Wade, such as signing back Goran Dragic as well as signing back Luol Deng if he should choose to opt out. There are also rumors that the Heat could end up trading Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen, who are in their final year of their contracts, to "try and free up salary cap space". It sounds like Hassan Whiteside will be due for a big raise this year, and Miami also has in its already grand agenda to get Kevin Durant next summer as well.
So the question will be is who has the greater priority? It really all depends on Wade and his contract demands, and then Dragic after that.
It will be interesting to see what will happen once the trades of the Miami Heat and the LA Lakers get finalized. These teams should be more than able to hold their own in the 2016 season.
