NBA Trade Rumors: 3 reasons the Miami Heat should target Lonzo Ball

After impressing during his 12-month spell at UCLA, Lonzo Ball was selected with the second overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Ball was bought in as a replacement for D'Angelo Russell, who had been traded just days earlier, and the young point guard looked as though he would play a major role in the Lakers future.

However, despite showing flashes of brilliance, Ball has been widely outperformed by other members of the 2017 draft class, and the Lakers included him in trade talks for Anthony Davis last month.

As it stands, Ball remains the Lakers first choice point guard, however, with the likes of Kemba Walker being linked to the team, the Lakers may be open to trading their young guard. The 21-year-old will attract plenty of interest, and here we will look at three reasons why the Miami Heat should be among the contenders for his signature.

#3 He fits in with the Heat's recent youth movement

The Miami Heat currently have a number of promising young players such as guard Josh Richardson

After years of regularly fielding one of the oldest teams in the NBA, the Miami Heat have suddenly turned towards youth. The Heat's transition away from overpaid veterans to a lineup that entirely comprises of players under the age of 27 has helped to turn around their poor start to the season.

Derrick Jones Jr., Bam Adebayo, and Josh Richardson are all in their early 20s, whereas the 'veteran' duo of Kelly Olynyk and Dion Waiters clock in at just 27. Evidently, the current Miami roster has plenty of time to grow together, and it makes much more sense to bring in additional young players such as Ball, rather than breaking up a formula that has worked so well throughout 2019.

#2 New face of the franchise

Dwayne Wade is set to exit the Miami Heat after the season e

Despite turning 37 earlier this year, Dwayne Wade remains the Miami Heat's biggest star. Wade has appeared mostly from the bench since his return last year, and in a league built on its stars, Wade remains Miami's only viable candidate.

For years, Hassan Whiteside flirted with becoming the new face of the Heat, however, his career is now in decline, and Miami desperately needs a new star to replace the outgoing Wade. The franchise doesn't have the resources to pursue a superstar such as Anthony Davis, however, Lonzo Ball is a promising player who attracts a lot of attention.

Despite his modest performances, Ball has already amassed a huge following, and the young guard is often the talk of the NBA media. He could also still develop into an All-Star, especially in the much weaker Eastern Conference, and Ball should help to get more eyes on the Heat as a franchise.

#1 The Heat are in desperate need of a point guard

Lonzo Ball has impressed with his playmaking skills and impact on the defensive end

Throughout the majority of the season, Josh Richardson has filled in as the Heat's playmaker, however, despite a string of impressive performances, the 25-year-old still seems more suited for a role on the wing.

Miami's longtime point guard Goran Dragic also remains on the roster, however, the 33-year-old has declined in recent years, and Dragic is only on the roster due to the team's inability to trade away his five-year, $90 million contract he signed in 2015,

The addition of Ball would provide the Heat with an exciting young point guard, who would significantly help the Heat improve at both ends of the court. The addition of Ball would also help to complement Richardson's game, and at 21, Ball would have plenty of time to grow and develop alongside a group of promising talent.