NBA Trade Rumors: 3 players the Heat could trade away ahead of the trade deadline

The NBA trade deadline will close next week ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window has historically closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, however, since 2018, the deadline has closed 10 days before the NBA's best players face off in the prestigious game.

The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.

The Miami Heat will be among the teams looking to make last minute deals, as the Heat are currently locked in an intense battle to claim one of the final Eastern Conference playoff places. Due to intense competition, the Heat are reportedly looking to add a number of players ahead of the deadline, and this means that departures are also likely. So, as we enter the final days of the trade window, here are three members of Miami's roster that could be traded away.

#3 Goran Dragic

Goran Dragic is currently on the sidelines with a knee injury, although the guard is expected to return after the All-Star break. The 32-year-old has been a regular starter during his four seasons in Miami, although the team has struggled to compete with Dragic at point guard, and before undergoing surgery earlier this season, Dragic was shooting just 41% from the field.

The Heat have Dragic locked in for the 2020 season, however, the Slovenian is set to earn nearly $20 million. There are evidently better guards around the league that are available on smaller deals, although the Heat will have trouble offloading the final year of Dragic's deal. Nevertheless, the Heat could put a trade package together that revolves around pairing Dragic with a player such as Wayne Ellington, so it will be interesting to see if the Heat can move the veteran on.

#2 Hassan Whiteside

Hassan Whiteside's issues with the Heat have been well documented, and few in Miami expect the dominant center to stick around for the long term. Nevertheless, while Whiteside has never been named an All-Star, the center has consistently been one of the most dominant big men in the NBA, and Whiteside is currently on course to record a double-double for a fifth consecutive season.

In regards to a move ahead of the deadline, Whiteside has been linked with a trade to the Grizzlies, as Memphis are known to be looking to facilitate a trade for Marc Gasol.

The Heat would evidently want to acquire a younger player than the 34-year-old Gasol. Although Whiteside is owed nearly $28 million for the 19/20 season, this substantially lowers his trade value. Ultimately, Whiteside is likely to be dealt with at some point in 2019, although the Heat remain reluctant to take on a huge contract in return for their center.

#1 Wayne Ellington

Wayne Ellington has struggled to find a regular spot in the Heat's rotation so far this season, and the swingman is being strongly linked with a trade ahead of next week's deadline Ellington has only played 23 times for Miami so far this season, although the 29-year-old continues to put up good numbers. Ellington is averaging 8.4 points per game while shooting 37% from beyond the arc, and Ellington's expiring contract also makes him a more attractive option for interested teams.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has stated that Ellington and the Heat have discussed his future with the team, and back at the start of January, Ellington was reportedly considering handing in a trade request. Nevertheless, the Heat will be willing to deal Ellington without a trade request, and it is easy to see the veteran joining a contending team such as the Lakers.