The Miami Heat began the 2015–16 National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season in a good note, but it looks like they need to make changes in the roster since they are struggling just to remain in the top eight of the Eastern Conference.
Miami, led by All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, was doing fine and even topped the East at one point early in the season.
But as of now, the Heat are dealing with inconsistency issues and are currently riding a three-game losing streak.
This was not the team many envisioned to be one of the emerging contenders from the East and will be ready to bounce back since losing LeBron James in 2014.
Now, as the trade deadline nears, the Miami New Times discussed in its report possible players who can be shipped to improve the Heat's playoff chances.
The first two are center Chris Andersen and forward Luol Deng, who both have expiring contracts, although trading these guys with their current deals may lessen Miami's flexibility come free agency, the report suggested.
But still, the Heat can work out a deal to acquire a young rising player, future draft picks, or even both in exchange for the two.
Andersen is no longer the defensive beast he was before and is rarely used this season, playing in only seven games. Meanwhile Deng is still a respectable contributor but is not producing in double-digits.
Another player who can be traded is point guard Goran Dragić, who is an efficient court facilitator, but saw his numbers decrease this season.
Miami already sacrificed a lot just to acquire Dragic, and despite his averages going down, he can still generate interest from a number of teams.
Last is center Hassan Whiteside who is no doubt becoming a prominent big man with the organization.
Whiteside is set to be a free agent after the season and it is unkown if the Heat can sign him to a lucrative deal, since many teams will be offering him massive contracts.
Miami can trade Whiteside while he is still signed and add a decent player. If a deal is accomplished, trying to sign him to a big contract in free agency will no longer be a concern for the team.
