The Miami Heat try to bolster their chances in the Eastern Conference
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference in the late 1990’s were the Bulls and the Miami Heat. But the Bulls were getting to the point where they would be passing the torch down to other teams like the Heat and Indiana Pacers after The Last Dance run was over following the conclusion of the 1998 NBA Finals.
It would not be all that long before the Heat would wind up winning their next NBA Championship (if we’re looking back on the 1997-98 season). The Heat would get a title for Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra in 2006 when Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade were taking over the East from the Detroit Pistons.
However, looking back on the situation with both the Heat and Bulls in 1997, there is opportunity for these two teams to get a deal done. Both have appealing trade chips that could help out the other side. The Heat needed help at the three and the four and that’s exactly what they’ll get from a sizable return from the Bulls.
Once again, the Bulls toss Kukoc and Pippen into the trade discussions. They also send 1997 first round draft pick and shooting guard Keith Booth, along with former first round pick Dickey Simpkins, to the Heat for a return that includes star point guard Tim Hardaway and center Alonzo Mourning.
For good measure, the Bulls do have to toss in their 1998 first round pick and 1999 second round pick. The Heat will need it to keep the pipeline of young talent rolling into South Beach. The Bulls also take on the sizable contract of power forward P.J. Brown (who would play one season in the Windy City a few years down the line anyway). That helps the salary matching and to free up future cap room for the Heat.
This seems like a good deal for both sides as each can fill a variation of positional needs. The Bulls also get away from a future bust in the making in Simpkins.