Report: Heat declined proposed Haslem-Turner swap

Well this could make for an interesting fold in the inevitable event of the Heat and Pacers matching up in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

According to a report from Dan Le Batard of the Miami Herald, the Miami Heat were offered a packaged involving shooting guard Evan Turner from the Sixers in exchange for power forward Udonis Haslem. Miami rebuked the offer, and the Sixers chose instead to deal Turner to Indiana for shooting guard Danny Granger.

It's worth noting that this deal was likely offered sometime near the time of the trade deadline, and at that time, Udonis Haslem was barely receiving any playing time. However, the 11-year Heat-lifer uttered no complaints, and has since seen an uptick in his minutes. 

On the season, Haslem is averaging 3.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Conversely, Turner is averaging 14.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game across his time with the Sixers and Pacers.

Ultimately, the deciding factors for Miami were likely two-fold. 

First, Haslem is a smart veteran big, who plays at a position of need for the Heat, whereas Turner is less disciplined, and plays on the perimeter. 

Second, Haslem has played his entire career in Miami, over which time he's won 3 championship rings. The Heat were likely reluctant to ship Haslem from a title contender, to a tanking-team in the Sixers. As it seems, there is still some loyalty left in the business of professional sports.