Miami Heat Rumors: A trade for D'Angelo Russell is unlikely, update on Chris Paul and more

The Miami Heat entered the 2019-20 season buoyed by the surprise signing of Jimmy Butler, and Erik Spoelstra's team have defied expectations through the opening month of the season. With youngsters such as Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn, and Bam Adebayo performing better than expected, the Heat have raced into the third spot in the Eastern Conference courtesy of an 11-4 record.

However, despite making an excellent start to the season, Pat Riley is believed to be eager to add further star talent alongside Butler, and the Heat could be among the most active teams in the coming months. So, with incomings and outgoings likely, here we will take a look at all the latest Miami rumors you need to know.

#1 A trade for D'Angelo Russell is unlikely due to the length of his contract

The Golden State Warriors are expected to trade D'Angelo Russell

The Golden State Warriors have made a woeful start to the 2019-20 season, and it is believed that the organization will cash in on D'Angelo Russell ahead of the trade deadline. The Heat have been mentioned as a potential destination due to their desire to add a second All-Star, although Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel is reporting that Miami is unlikely to make a move due to the length of Russell's contract:

D'Angelo Russell is under contract for three more seasons beyond this season. In other words, such a trade would take the Heat out of 2021 free agency and the possible Giannis Antetokounmpo-Kawhi Leonard market.

Russell developed into an All-Star with the Brooklyn Nets last season, before completing a surprise sign-and-trade to the Warriors during the offseason. Over 10 appearances for Golden State, the 23-year-old has averaged 24.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.

#2 Dion Waiters appears to have no future in Miami

Dion Waiters has not played for the Heat since the 2018-19 season

Dion Waiters was suspended for the Heat's opening game of the season after clashing with head coach Spoelstra during preseason, and the veteran is currently away from the team after being handed a 10-game suspension following an incident on Miami's team plane. It is unlikely that Waiters will feature for the Heat again, and Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel believes that the guard will be traded in the coming months:

So a trade is probably coming at some point where Waiters’ value is as an accounting measure to match up salaries of other players. Until then? Cleveland just told J.R. Smith to stay away last year. That sounds about right here.

Waiters signed with the Heat back in the 2016 offseason and the 27-year-old has been a regular starter during his three seasons with the team. During the 2018-19 campaign, Waiters averaged 12.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 25.9 minutes per contest.

#3 Interest in Chris Paul has cooled in recent weeks

Chris Paul doesn't fit in with OKC's current timeline

The Heat have been strongly linked with a move for Chris Paul since the point guard completed a trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the summer, although Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman is reporting that the Heat's interest has cooled following their excellent start to the season:

The CP3 trade market hasn't been ignited a month into the season... Maybe eventually Jimmy Butler will need a sidekick... but so far, the Heat is rising without even starting a traditional point

While Riley and the front office would love to add a player of Paul's quality, it is worth noting that the veteran's four year, $159 million contract lasts until the 2021-22 season. So far this season, CP3 has taken a backseat to the promising Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, although the 34-year-old is still averaging 15.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per contest.