No Tyler Herro in a potential trade with the Miami Heat for Bradley Beal would be a big blow for the Washington Wizards. However, the team seems ready to move on from the 11-year veteran. With Beal’s no-trade clause giving him the power to dictate what he gets traded for, the Wizards are forced to salvage what they can in the deal.
The Athletic reported the Heat were offering a deal centered around 37-year-old Kyle Lowry and either Victor Oladipo or Duncan Robinson with multiple first-round draft picks. Yet, the Wizards are trying to snag some young assets to salvage the potential trade.
According to Ethan Skolnick of Five Reasons Sports, the Wizards are trying to get the Heat to include 20-year-old Serbian Nickola Jovic and Haywood Highsmith for the trade.
The Heat drafted Jovic in the first round of last year’s NBA Draft. As a 6-foot-11 wing, Jovic is an intriguing prospect that could have a high ceiling to reach his potential. He can shoot from the perimeter, has solid footwork, and his array of offensive skills may allow him to grow into a stellar scorer.
After Herro, Jovic is Miami’s next young prospect. Aside from his potential, Jovic is appealing because he has at least three years of team control and $9.26 million remaining on his deal.
The 26-year-old Highsmith completed his second season with the Heat. A fringe player, Highsmith flashed his potential and high energy during the Heat’s run to the NBA Finals. He can also shoot the three and moves well without the basketball. More importantly, Washington can take a filler on him with his $1.9 million not guaranteed for next season.
Both Jovic and Highsmith are prime candidates for a rebuild. The Wizards are likely to waive Lowry. Robinson is a sharpshooting role player, and Oladipo is coming off a torn patellar tendon, his third major injury in the last four seasons.
With no Tyler Herro available, Jovic represents the only Miami asset that the Wizards can use as a long-term project toward its rebuild. Landing Jovic may be the only way to salvage a respectable return for parting ways with Bradley Beal.
