Milwaukee Bucks: Comparing assets for P.J. Tucker trade to other suitors

How do the Miami Heat’s assets compare to the Milwaukee Bucks?

Last but not least, the Miami Heat have certainly by making their surge after dealing with number of early season absences and injuries.

Now standing in fourth place in the East at 21-18 and having won 10 of their last 11 games, the Heat have more flexibility of the known contenders chasing after Tucker. That certainly helps with how they retained their many free agents following their run to the NBA Finals last season, but didn’t sacrifice their future flexibility in hopes of landing a star, either in free agency or trade (and no, that won’t be Giannis Antetokounmpo).

The other advantage is they have notable young prospects that they dangle to entice opposing teams as they , whether it be Precious Achiuwa, Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson.

But the Heat don’t have many assets by way of future first round selections, save for 2022 and 2027. The only second rounder they own that isn’t in control based on past deals in also 2027. Along with that, both Nunn and Robinson will be free agents in the offseason and retaining both will likely be an expensive proposition.

As a result of all this, Miami lurks in every significant trade rumor and discussion happening 10 days out out of this year’s trade deadline, even if many of those big names don’t ultimately end up moving. Whether their slow start has created a sense of urgency to make a similar midseason splash that can help propel them to another run to the Finals remains to seen.

There’s no question, though, that the Heat have the young pieces that the Rockets and all other teams would want back in a significant deal. But the Heat won’t part with them for nothing meaningful back in return either.

Time will tell whether the Bucks’ competition for Tucker’s services will continue to heat up and whether other suitors will enter the fray. It all should make for an interesting week-and-a-half going into deadline day, that’s for sure.