Free Beasley
Despite his disappointing play this year, I'm still a big believer in Michael Beasley. I think he needs to handle the PF spot more often than the SF spot, especially against agile SF's but I still think he can create more matchup problems to make up for his lackluster defense. Unfortunately, I just don't see Miami ever using him correctly and he'll never reach his potential with the Heat. So where might the Heat ship their young star?
Phoenix: Would Amare fit in the Spoelestra defensive-minded system? This might be the ideal trade for both teams. The Suns get a young guy who would be a nice third or fourth option next year alongside Nash and Shaq and he could also give them a foundation for the future.
Toronto: Not sure if the Heat have enough to make this work but if Bryan Colangelo sees Beasley as a fit to his Phoenix-style plans, he might go for Beasley, a pick, and Mark Blount's deal for Bosh. I'd have to think that they could do better for Bosh but since he's likely to opt out, they have to get something for him and Beasley is a very good worst case scenario.
The real question with Bosh and Amare is whether or not they are truly worth second max contracts. For a team like Miami, it could make sense because they'd be teaming with Wade, an elite NBA superstar who has shown that he can win with a highly paid big man and a bunch of role players. For other squads, I'm not so sure.
Philadelphia: While Philly is making the playoffs, I really think they need to look at what Detroit did to build it's title team. The Pistons won 50 games and then revamped their lineup almost completely to build the team that won the title and became an annual contender. A deal like Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, and Dalembert for Beasley, Jermaine O'Neal, Mark Blount and a pick or two could work. I like the Beasley/Thad Young pairing while Mareese Speights is a promising young big man. The Sixers could add a couple of young guys in the draft and would have Jermaine O'Neal and Blount's expiring contracts to make a play for veteran at the deadline or to clear up a ton of cap space for the 2010 free agent market. It's a lot to give up but the Sixers just didn't look good with Brand in the lineup and as much as I like Iggy, he's not really leading Philly to anywhere outside of Mediocrity City so the Sixers need to shake things up.
New Jersey: I'm not sure what the Nets are hoping to get for Vince Carter but Beasley and JO for Vince and Bobby Simmons might be the best offer they'll get. Granted, Beasley pretty much duplicated what Yi Jianlian brings but maybe they could deal the Chairman for a shooting guard or a versatile forward who can defend both the 3 and 4 spots.
Golden State: This might be the most likely deal since the Heat might be willing to take Stephen Jackson's contract off of the Warriors hands or, if Golden State gives up enough, I wouldn't be stunned if the Heat were willing to take back Corey Maggette's deal. Then again, if the Heat are really focusing on getting Chris Bosh or Amare in 2010, they might not want to give up their cap space, even if it meant getting guys like Andris Biedrins and Brandan Wright. I'd consider that type of deal though as it might be better (given Wade's shaky injury history) to get a couple of players in a JO/Beasley deal rather than just one superstar.
Personally, I think Miami is better off making a deal this year than holding out hope that they can sign someone like Bosh or Amare. A deal like the Golden State or Philly trades, in which they try to snag two or three players/prospects, also seems like a better idea than putting all your money on Amare or Bosh. Especially Amare since that would give the Heat one of the more fragile duos since Ming/McGrady or McGrady/Hill.
