Arron Afflalo: 5 Possible Trade Destinations

Dec 10, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (10) drives to the basket past Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

MIAMI HEAT

According to recent reports out of Miami, the Heat could be in the market for a guard who can consistently hit from deep. While Afflalo’s three-point shooting has dropped off a bit this year, he’s still a decent threat from deep and has proven himself capable of lighting it up when he gets the hot hand. The Heat are still in the hunt for the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference, and adding Afflalo’s scoring punch could mean the difference between the former World Champs making another run at a title or heading down the same path the Nuggets are facing and start preparing for a complete rebuild.

There isn’t a lot the Heat has to offer in terms of a Nuggets rebuilding effort, but they are rumored to be willing to part with point guard Norris Cole. Cole is one of the better perimeter defenders in the league, but more importantly, his contract expires at the end of this season. He currently earns a measly $2 million, so the Nuggets could try to resign him for a cap-friendly figure or simply let him walk, opening a valuable roster spot next season. To make the deal work, the Heat would need to throw in another body making about $5 million per year, and guess who fits that requirement? That’s right, former Nugget Chris “Birdman” Anderson. Anderson left Denver with a bad taste in his mouth following a bizarre “catfishing” incident, so he probably wouldn’t be pumped to return to Colorado. But Nuggets fans would certainly welcome him back with open arms.

Next: Afflalo Could Bring a Buzz to Charlotte