Miami Heat could have booted non-performing power forward/center Udonis Haslem and replaced him with a potential scoring option in the form of Evan Turner. But the Miam Heat organization opted to stick with its big man and turn down a trade offer from the Philadelphia 76ers as the trade deadline came and passed.
Turner could have boosted Heat's line up significantly. But, no. Miami decided to keep Haslem in their rosters for sentimental, rather than commercial reasons.
Haslem has spent 11 years with the Miami Heat, which is basically his entire career. He even agreed to have his salary cut off by a huge margin to make the LeBron James- Chris Bosh entry to the Heat organization a reality.
The amount? $10 million.
According to the Miami Herald, the Heat management felt that trading Haslem, after all that he has sacrificed for the team, was pretty much a bad move and would be sending the "wrong message" to the fans.
From a basketball standpoint, Turner has a lot more to offer.
The 6-foot-7 guard slash small forward has been an impact player for the 76ers, averaging 17.1 points per game this season. On top of that, Turner dishes out 3.6 assists and 6 rebounds every outing.
In contrast, Haslem's presence for Miami is rarely felt. Playing for an average of 12.5 minutes per game, Haslem's average numbers consist of 2.7 points and 2.8 rebounds this season.
The last time Haslem's scoring output registered in double figures was back in the 2008-2009 season, where the 6-foot-9 center contributed 10.6 markers per game.
Turner would have also been a perfect puzzle piece for Miami's Eric Spoelstra, who is currently faced with problems concerning Heat guard Dywane Wade's health issues. Turner could easily slide in for Wade, who has been in and out for the season due to a problematic knee.
Turner was eventually traded to Heat's conference rivals, the Indiana Pacers, for Danny Granger, who was then bought off by the Los Angeles Clippers.
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