Josh McRoberts hasn’t been the return on investment the Miami Heat hoped for, so is it time to move on?

The last time Josh McRoberts suited up for the Miami Heat, it was Dec. 9 against the Charlotte Hornets. He played four minutes and missed one shot. Before that game, McRoberts had played in every game this season. But now he’s missed 15 games with no sign of a return sooner rather than later and, with the trade deadline approaching and players being eligable for 10-day contracts, might it be time to move on from McRoberts?

McRoberts was brought in to be a glue guy. Someone who could keep the ball moving in picked up pace and facilitate on the elbow across from–or in substitution of–Chris Bosh. McRoberts’ injury has forced Miami to play Udonis Haslem and Amar’e Stoudemire in the backup big position (Miami will typically play just three big men in a given night), neither of whom can play a fast pace or make a significant impact consistently. It’s also forced Justise Winslow to learn to play power forward, and Erik Spoelstra has been using his rookie in tandem with Luol Deng as the forwards around either Bosh or Hassan Whiteside.

So, needless to say, the Heat have adjusted. They are among the top teams in the East and can afford to keep McRoberts on the roster. If, eventually, McRoberts gets healthy, he could make an impact for the Heat. But, the things with McRoberts is that even when he was healthy, he wasn’t shooting. McRoberts was attempting just three shots per game. Of players who have played in at least 20 games this season with an average of at least 15 minutes per game, McRoberts (3.0) leads only Pelicans center and famous non-factor on offense Omer Asik (1.8) in terms of shot attempts per game.

Where McRoberts was signed to help Miami’s pace and spacing, he wasn’t doing it any favors with his lack of shooting. Before he was hurt, you could see the Heat pushing him to shoot more (he attempted seven shots in two of his last three games in which he played big minutes). But–for whatever reason–it was clearly uncomfortable for him.

There is no doubt, though, that McRoberts could help the Heat. He’s a great GREAT passer and able defender, and a huge upgrade from Haslem and/or Stoudemire. He could certainly help this team.

Here’s the problem. McRoberts still has three years left on his contract and the Heat are going to need cap space this summer to deal with Dwyane Wade and possibly Hassan Whiteside (or another big name free agent). He’s making nearly $5.5 million this season and, with the Heat above the luxury tax, could opt to move him. (The Heat have been trying to move Chris Andersen, but given his struggles it’s doubtful Miami will find a trade partner.)

McRoberts hasn’t delivered on the return on investment, and the Heat could try to move him before the deadline to make space for the summer. Winslow’s emergence makes McRoberts more expendable as well, and trading McRoberts could help Miami get over the hump should they make the right deal. So let’s take a look at some possible trades: