As the NBA 2015 season comes to a close with the Finals, this is the time to start speculating about next year. 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.
Let's start with the LA Lakers. So far, Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle are expected to return next season, but Sports World Report reveals that there could be an addition with Jimmy Butler. The Lakers have a max contract planned for Butler should he leave the Chicago Bulls, as the player is preparing to be a restricted free agent in the summer. Essentially, Butler is in a bidding war with both teams.
In addition to Butler, another max contract player could be Goran Dragic. Dragic was one of the top point guards available, which was why the Miami Heat made a trade for him in mid-year.
We have also previously reported that the LA Lakers could be looking at Rajon Rondo. He will be a free agent as of this summer the Los Angeles Lakers, NY Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Sacramento Kings are looking at this Dallas Mavericks player. Rondo is still one of the NBA's finest defensive players in the league, but his injuries may have caught up with him. He is looking for a long term deal, and perhaps the LA Lakers will be the ones to give it to him.
So far, there are other rumors flying around like trades for players like Greg Monroe, Paul Millsap, Brook Lopez, Jordan Clarkson and Nick Young. Jordan Hill is expected to return.
As for the Miami Heat, there is always the Goran Dragic intersection as he could stay on with Miami. In a separate report from the Sports World Report, Goran will only accept a max deal. Players that intend to stay are Luol Deng and HassanWhiteside, but the Heat could be pressed when it comes to taking on any new players for the 2016 season.
The Miami Herald recently reported that the Heat were looking to chase Kevin Durant and Al Horford in 2016, and it would certainly make the Heat some kind of team then. Then there is also a chance that Brandon Knight could be called in, as he is from South Florida and could be convinced to come back if the price is right. Then there is the possibility of pursuing Josh Smith.
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.
