Heat's Loss to New York Knicks Shows Why Miami Needs to Trade Wade or LeBron

If you have been following the Heat's season like I have, you would have known that the outcome of this game was decided long ago.

Down by three with seconds ticking away, Miami blew a game at home against a team composed of two superstars and a supporting cast of role players that just came together only days ago.

If any part of that sentence sounds off-putting to Heat fans, it absolutely should.

When the Heat were attempting to salvage a season and, more importantly, the reputations of their superstars back in December, excuses were made citing the team's lack of familiarity.

Really? Is that why the Knicks, whose team is half made-up of newcomers, were able to pull off the win?

Enough with the excuses already!

It's not because of a lack of familiarity.

It's not because of Erik Spoelstra's play-calling.

It's not because Miami is so vacant at the point guard and center position.

And it's not because of the Heat's lack of depth.

The truth is that Miami's two superstars have the exact same offensive game.

And it's so easy to guard.

All opponents need to do to defend the Heat is collapse the paint because Bosh, Wade and LeBron all have limited range.

Essentially, if Miami can't run their opponents off the floor, they lose.

Don't believe me?

Miami is 2-6 in games that are decided by three points or less.

Meanwhile, the Heat has lost 11 games that are decided by within 6 points.

If those stats sound familiar, it's because Hubie Brown was able to cite them in the midst of the waning seconds of the fourth quarter.

Everyone needs to face the reality that this ride is only going to become more painful and more agonizing the longer this team of players is together.

Will Miami make the playoffs this year? Yes.

Do they have one of the best records in the league? Yes.

But the reason for both is because most teams in the NBA are made up of teams that like to run. And in those games, Miami, with two of the NBA's best finishers in the game, are undefeated.

Yet, quality teams in the NBA who can actually play a half-court game will shut Miami down.

Does anyone not think it's odd Miami hasn't won a game against the Celtics this season?

How about that they are 1-2 against the Chicago Bulls?

The insane thing about it all is that, in the summer, Miami, and, more particularly, Pat Riley, will have the opportunity to change the face and fortune of his team by trading one of their big three.

And who in the league won't be taking Miami's call when one of their big three is being offered?

Listen, what Pat Riley had in mind a long time ago and was able to execute last summer was an act of marvel that will undoubtedly make him the heavy favorite for executive of the year.

But if he wants the team to truly contend for a championship, he will have to accept the truth that many Heat fans have been "witnessing" since day one.

This is a team that looks way better on paper than it does on a basketball court. And the only way to change that is to trade either Wade or LeBron.

Yes, it will be a tough decision, given Wade's sentimental and loyal value to the team, and LeBron's value in general, but it needs to be done.

When the Heat is prematurely eliminated in a few months in the playoffs in the first or second round, they will be faced with two options to fix their team.

The first option will be the safe route, which is trying to get a legit big man or point guard in the free agent market.

The second option, which makes more sense, is that they should trade either LeBron or Wade.

You can't Band-Aid something that needs surgery.

And this team needs a major change.

It's time we all realize it.