With another early ending to a second straight difficult Miami Heat campaign comes plenty of basketball fan’s favorite time of year: the NBA offseason.
And there will be a lot of work to be done for Pat Riley and the Heat’s front office. First and foremost, this comes with something that hasn’t been done in years, even well before this season’s Jimmy Butler drama went down—deciding the direction.
Does Miami completely blow it up, and even dangle All-Star’s Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to do so? Is a more softer rebuild on the horizon? Or is a re-tool around the Herro and Adebayo duo to bring in a much needed true star going to take place?
Well, as long as Riley is still at the helm, expect the latter. He, along with players and coaches on the staff, would like to get back to contention status as soon as possible.
Riley just turned 80 years old only a few months ago. A rebuild doesn’t only go against what the Heat franchise despises to do, but it doesn’t align with the legendary Riley’s timeline.
Luckily, this summer’s trade market may have some star options shake free— possibly headlined by Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant.
Unlike what some of the national media admits, Miami does have assets.
Riley can surely build a respectable trade haul to bring in a disgruntled star.
It is worth noting that the most mutual and realistic fit for Miami should be Durant. Both parties side’s have circled back on eachother for several years now.
The Heat will have an intriguing trade package headliner in Andrew Wiggins— along with several expiring salaries, young players and up to three tradeable first-round picks and pick swaps to put on the table.
Regardless of Durant’s age of 36, this is not an aging star like Butler. This is a Hall of Fame generational superstar that has yet to show signs of a decline.
The 15-time NBA All-Star and two-time champion is coming off a season where he posted 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and two stocks (steals and blocks) per game. Additionally, Durant did this on elite 53/43/84 shooting splits. He is still more than capable of completely moving the needle.
His fit in the Heat’s lineup would be seamless alongside Herro and Adebayo. And it would provide coach Erik Spoelstra with a much needed proven closer at the end of games.
As much as Antetokounmpo also is clearly enticing, there are more hurdles involved to pull off such a deal.
For starters, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar has yet to express an interest in being traded, despite the rumors already circulating. He is also right in the middle of his prime years at the age of 30. A package for his services could likely include parting with one of Herro or Adebayo, which would only open more holes in Miami’s lineup.
The only possible way a deal could get done without them would be Antetokounmpo demanding “Miami and Miami only.”
Even then, Heat fans know all too well that type of request is far from a guarantee.
Durant’s timeline aligns with both the Heat and Riley’s, giving the organization a legit shot at returning to the top of the Eastern Conference as quickly as possible. He would provide a three-four year window that would instantly elevate Miami.
Which star do you want to see Riley be aggressive in acquiring? Let us know in the comments!
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This article pretty much says what poor and, yes, old, rc has been getting a little beat up for lately – that it is possible or likely that Riley will not wait until 2026. It’s not whether I agree or not, just that it has been the Heat’s pattern most years. But i would admit that, unlike some here, I am not against getting KD. As Dan says, he is still a force to be reckoned with. And, the potential of moving off both the Rozier and Duncan salaries would be very good.
But what about Herro? I have always liked him (but not his d) and after his best year yet, his value has never been higher. I would be fine if he stays. He doesn’t pout like quitter, always plays hard, and tries to improve each season. But a little nagging voice in my head keeps referencing upcoming extension talks (he still has 2 years on his contract, but can start talking extension this season). I mean my victory parade buddy hfl already doesn’t want to pay him his $30 million. What happens when his agent asks for $40-50 million? Stay tuned. News at 11.
Ty is the exact opposite of russ .he can shoot it better but russ does everything else better.would u want ty or older russ.i say older russ impacts winning more
bench major problemo need athletes dont care if they can shoot just stopem from scoring shooting with benchies always hot and cold thats why their benchies
Another interesting article. I don’t agree that the Heat needs a closer this year, while several expiring contracts are on the books. One year from now after two drafts and expiration of 4 or more contracts makes much more sense.
“Heat have all the evidence necessary to determine direction after Jimmy Butler trade. Miami needs a closer.
Miami went 12-21 after the Butler trade, including an embarrassing 10-game losing streak and ranking in the bottom 10 in offensive efficiency during that span. It was good for the longest skid of coach Erik Spoelstra’s career.
More importantly, they were 14-26 in clutch games on the season, and 3-12 after the trade. The Heat lost a league-high nine games when leading by at least 15 points.
The Miami Heat’s biggest offseason priority should be pursuing a star capable of closing out games.
There’s already a structure in place with Spoelstra, Herro and Adebayo. Adding a true number one option capable of closing out games is what can get this franchise back to contending status as quickly as possible.”
https://hothothoops.com/2025/05/06/building-the-miami-heats-most-competitive-trade-package-for-the-next-star/
Another good article. This one is what to do with Terry Rozier. Makes sense.
Heat should avoid trading Terry Rozier this offseason for head scratching decisionMiami knows they need to ditch Rozier, but it needs to make sense.
https://allucanheat.com/heat-should-avoid-trading-terry-rozier-this-offseason-for-head-scratching-decision?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=e0273490fd355e2c28bdb25751d41af65a4dd80936ff00a80be9866c97887955
terry has little more on his mind sun
giannis not coming here he might like warm weather like greece but unless bam is in trade forget about it sunman.
tyler herros defense is a problem might not be #1 but its up there.#1 is no ss.no 2 no dawgs.no 3 pat riley no 4 too many whitesides no 5 tys d.to many to go on ill stop at 5.dunc wont be on team so no more dunc d posts unless referring to bad defense,.
This is an excellent article on what we’ve been discussing for a while. What is wrong with the Heat and what can be done to fix it? Worth the two minute read.
1. Tyler Herro’s defense isn’t the biggest problem
2. The Heat can’t talk themselves into having depth
3. They need a No. 1 scoring option to bring everything together
What’s next?
https://allucanheat.com/cavaliers-exposed-major-heat-roster-flaws-star-won-t-fix?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=e0273490fd355e2c28bdb25751d41af65a4dd80936ff00a80be9866c97887955