The Miami Heat need to change things up. They are on a seven-game losing streak and have slipped down to ninth in the East, just a game ahead of the Chicago Bulls, who have traded DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Zach LaVine since the summer.
That just goes to show how bad things are for the Heat at the moment. And this is despite the fact that the likes of Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo are putting up some solid numbers in most games.
Right now, the best they can hope for is a play-in spot and they no longer have Jimmy Butler to carry them in the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have looked great when LeBron James and Luka Doncic have played together. But they could certainly do with a high-level big man, if they want to seriously challenge for the Championship.
Could Adebayo be the answer for the Lakers, while Austin Reaves heads in the opposite direction as part of the trade?
Caleb Hightower wrote in The Sporting News: "It could be a matter of time before Adebayo requests a trade from the underachieving 29-36 Heat, allowing Los Angeles to pursue the three-time All-Star this summer.
"With Adebayo, the Lakers would serve as a multi-dimensional forward/center capable of catching Doncic’s lobs in pick-and-roll situations and making winning plays on both ends.
"Reaves, the Lakers’ breakout star and No. 3 scoring option, would likely have to be featured in a deal to pique the Heat's interest.
"If the Lakers believe Adebayo could drastically improve their frontcourt, they may consider ditching Reaves for the former McDonald’s All-American during the offseason."
Trading Adebayo would be a sign that the Heat are ready to move away from this era altogether and rebuild.
Reaves has looked phenomenal this season but is the answer that the Heat are looking for?
Of course, Reaves would be a great scoring option to have but the Heat already have got Tyler Herro. Right now, they need a true face of the franchise who can inspire them to victories.
Reaves has shown tremendous potential but his ceiling might be a secondary or third option on a competitive team.
