As the Miami Heat were chasing Danilo Gallinari ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the team reportedly discussed including rookie Kendrick Nunn in a potential package.
While the Heat acquired Andre Iguodala from the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, they also had their sights set on Gallinari from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to Michael Scotto of Bleacher Report, the Heat and Thunder had a trade package agreed upon and Miami eventually advanced to the stage of negotiating a contract extension with Gallinari’s camp but the two sides were unable to agree to terms.
During trade talks, Miami’s Kendrick Nunn, Kelly Olynyk, James Johnson (traded to Minnesota) and draft pick compensation were among the various assets discussed between the teams, according to league sources.
The Heat have been preserving cap space for the summer of 2021, when Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a free agent, and have been unwilling to add long-term salary. The Heat were ultimately unable to agree to an extension with Gallinari, ending the trade talks with the Thunder.
Nunn has emerged as a key player for the Heat this season and has been one of the top rookies.
The undrafted guard from Oakland has been named NBA Rookie of the Month three times this season and was recently named to the NBA Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend. In 50 games, Nunn is averaging 15.4 points, 3.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Nunn is second in total scoring among all rookies and second in field goals.
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