Miami Heat Trade KZ Okpala to Oklahoma City Thunder
By Space Coast Daily // February 20, 2022
The Miami Heat are often at the center of NBA trade rumors. It was a quiet deadline day, however, with their only move being to trade KZ Okpala to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2026 second-round pick. The conditions on a future first owed were also changed in the deal.
As Sidelines’ NBA odds show, this isn’t a move which has impacted the Heat much this season. Despite being hit by Covid and numerous injuries, the Heat only gave Okpala 244 minutes of action, and he hadn’t played since December 28th.
Miami previously owed the Thunder their 2023 first-round draft pick (via the Clippers). This has been tweaked to become a lottery-protected 2025 pick that becomes an unprotected 2026 pick after that. At the time of the deal, this seemed like a precursor to a bigger move with the Heat becoming more flexible to trade.
Ultimately, Miami stuck with what they have. They are, however, in a better position to make a trade in the offseason and removing Okpala’s salary has saved them some crucial dollars ahead of buyout season.
What next for Okpala?
Since being drafted 32nd overall in 2019 out of Stanford, Okpala has played in just 63 games. He’s currently dealing with a wrist injury.
Acquiring yet another pick was clearly the motivation for the Thunder here, who waived Okpala on February 11th. This is perhaps a curious decision, as Okpala could have been an interesting prospect for the Thunder’s rebuild.
A 6’8 forward with great length and flashes of a decent three-point shot from the corners, there’s a world where Okpala develops into a serviceable three-and-D player if given the time to develop. He hasn’t been granted such an opportunity in the NBA thus far, and that’s not going to change in Oklahoma City.
Ultimately, Okpala is under 30% from three for his career. The high-flying finishes aren’t enough to make him a useful player at this juncture, and he’s very much a project. Still, there are a few teams that could take a flyer on him as he heads for unrestricted free agency.
How this helps the Heat
Miami rarely has many picks to trade. Adjustment moves like this are required to create flexibility as the Stepien Rule had them locked in a difficult position.
The Heat can now include a first-round pick in a trade either this offseason or in 2023. While this roster is poised as a dark horse title contender for now, this under-the-radar Okpala trade opens up possibilities if the playoffs are a disappointment.
There are no glaring weaknesses on the Heat roster. They are seventh in offense and sixth in defense. If they fall short in the postseason, though, Pat Riley could look to add a wing defender and shooter to upgrade on the role played by P.J. Tucker. Given the organization’s tendency for chasing stars, they could even look to pursue a Bradley Beal sign-and-trade if the All-Star guard wants out of Washington.
This has to be viewed as a win-win for the Heat in the short-term. They have a roster to compete this year and next, and they have freed themselves up to improve.
