NBA Trade Rumors: 3 players the Miami Heat should keep out of trade talks

Since LeBron James made the decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, the Miami Heat have been one of the NBA's most inconsistent teams. Despite this, the Heat should be applauded for remaining competitive despite losing James, as franchises that lose their best players often quickly become lottery teams.

Nevertheless, The Heat once again made the playoffs last season, suffering a comprehensive 4-1 defeat in the first round to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the humbling defeat to a young Sixers team, the Heat look set to have another crack at the postseason this season, as the team has made a 19-20 start to the season. Due to the historically weak state of the Eastern Conference, the Heats .487 record has been enough to propel the team to sixth, and Miami could even face a rematch with the Sixers in the first round of the playoffs.

There is still room for improvement on the Miami roster, and the organization will be looking to give Dwyane Wade one last shot at a lengthy postseason run. So with the Heat likely to make a number of trades this month, here are three players that Miami should keep out of trade talks.

#3 Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, and the youngster went on to get valuable minutes with the Heat during his rookie season. Adebayo appeared in 69 games for the Heat, and in 19.8 minutes per game, the 21-year-old averaged 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

During the current season, the Heat have continued to show faith in Adebayo, and both the centers minutes per game (21.3) and production (8.0 points and 6.8 rebounds) have increased. Adebayo is under contract with the Heat until 2022, and the Miami organization should look to keep their exciting young center.

#2 Derrick Jones Jr.

Derrick Jones Jr. was undrafted during the 2016 NBA draft, however, the player was eventually picked up by the Phoenix Suns. However, despite the Suns offering Jones Jr a place on their roster, the 21-year-old struggled to find regular minutes and was subsequently waived by the team. The Miami Heat picked the small forward up towards the end of 2017, and Jones impressed enough on the court in order to earn a new contract with the team.

During the first half of the 18/19 season, Jones Jr. has found a regular place in the Heat's rotation and the youngster is currently averaging career highs in points (7.0) and rebounds (4.4). Jones Jr. is also one of the lowest earners on the Heat roster, and the franchise should look to continue to develop the young forwards game, rather than including as part of a trade this month.

#1 Josh Richardson

Josh Richardson has been with the Miami Heat since he was selected by the team with the 40th pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Nevertheless, the 17/18 season marked the first time that Richardson was a regular starter for the Heat, and the guard is this season showing that he can become a genuine star in the NBA.

In 38 appearances for the Heat this season, Richardson is averaging 18.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists-per-game, and the player continues to be a threat from behind the arc. Richardson has also continued to improve on the defensive end, and a first All-Star appearance this season is still a possibility.

While rival teams around the NBA have taken note of Richardson's recent form, the Heat are under no pressure to trade the 25-year-old, as he is currently signed until 2022. Ultimately, Miami has been patient with Richardson, and the team should now enjoy his excellent performances.

Edited by Sripad