:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46832472/usa-today-8425045.0.jpg)
In case it wasn't extremely clear that the Miami Heat acquired Shabazz Napier to convince LeBron James to keep his talents in South Beach, reports have emerged that he is now being traded for a protected second round pick, according to Yahoo's NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, one year after the Heat effectively traded up to get him.
A two-time NCAA Champion during his four-year career at UConn, Napier saw his draft stock rise as he led the Huskies to an improbable national championship in 2014. LeBron famously called him the best point guard in the draft, and across the workouts and combines leading to the draft, Napier continued to impress. He was being projected by some as a late-lottery pick, though ultimately the Hornets picked him 24th overall and then traded him to Miami. Unfortunately for the Heat, LeBron chose to return home to Cleveland, leaving the Heat and Napier in a precarious situation.
The Heat had a logjam at point guard after trading for Goran Dragic in the middle of the season, with Napier being the odd man out. Napier also suffered an injury which caused him to miss some time and had two stints in the D-League.
As a rookie, Napier averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 51 games. He now joins a backcourt in Orlando with former 2nd overall pick Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton.