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The Miami Heat addressed their biggest roster flaw in acquiring scoring guard Norman Powell earlier this offseason. However, outside of the first-round draft selection of Kasparas Jakucionis, that has been the only addition for their entire 15-man roster this summer.
Granted, the Powell trade provided Miami with tremendous value for the cost of just Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson. And coming off a career year with averages of nearly 22 points on 48% shooting and 42% from deep, is a significant upgrade by itself to add to the roster.
But the Heat still have the flexibility to get another deal or two done, if they opt to pursue more upgrades.
Miami was left with one open roster spot following the Powell trade, and the team has no backup big man behind Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware in the team’s frontcourt depth. Dru Smith and Alec Burks are two players that have been floated around as potential options to bring back, too.
Their biggest trade piece to create more room is Terry Rozier’s $26 million expiring salary. Rozier has been on the trade block all offseason, and could still be packaged with other assets like Andrew Wiggins and/or young pieces to facilitate a deal.
Let’s discuss one pipe dream trade target, and a few more attainable targets, that Pat Riley should kick the tires on as the 2025 offseason dies down.
Pipe Dream: LeBron James
The one deal that would not only put the Heat in the best position to compete, but also put the internet in an absolute frenzy— is a reunion with LeBron James.
James’ storied Miami history of four NBA Finals appearances and back-to-back championships gave the legend the most successful window of his Hall of Fame career. The rumors of his rift between the LA Lakers front office after appearing to lean into a younger Luka Doncic-led era has been lingering all summer long.
Rich Paul’s formal statement addressing James’ mentality at this stage of his career is what really began all the speculation. His longtime agent iterated that James was “uncertain” about the Lakers roster and wants to be put in an opportunity to win another championship next season.
The problem is that very few teams would be willing to trade assets for a two-year window of a 40-year old James at this stage of his career. But the Heat front office knows all too well just how much a player like James raises a team’s ceiling.
Ja Morant
A name that has been linked to the Heat several times this calendar year is Memphis Grizzlies polarizing star Ja Morant. In fact, Morant was the betting favorite to be Miami’s next franchise star, per Bovada.
It’s unclear just how much interest the Heat would have in taking the Morant risk. There has been both injuries and off-court drama around the 25 year-old guard in recent years. At his best, though, there’s no question that Morant could be that coveted talent upgrade that Miami has needed.
Perhaps the change of scenery and commitment to “Heat Culture” can add some stability to Morant’s career as he approaches his prime years.
Jrue Holiday
Would Riley dare to pick up the phone to negotiate with Joe Cronin again? It could be worth it for Jrue Holiday— who seems to be stuck in a losing situation with the Portland Trail Blazers after Boston shipped him out in a salary shedding deal earlier this summer.
Holiday is a proven winning player, two-time champion and all-defensive caliber guard. He is also still an efficent and capable outside shooter that can provide some balance to a Tyler Herro-focused backcourt.
But his contract and age could pose as an issue in any negotiations, despite the pedigree Holiday still brings to the table.
DeMar DeRozan
Miami remains linked in the rumor mill to DeMar DeRozan, and has been for years now. The Sacramento Kings seem to be in a holdout while waiting for Jonathan Kuminga’s situation to pan out as mutual interest in a partnership between both parties have circulated.
If Kuminga eventually lands with Sacramento, they wouldn’t have nearly as much use for an aging star like DeRozan to still be around. That’s where the Heat could come in as a suitor, and possibly at a bargain price.
Nikola Vucevic
The most realistic trade that the Heat could pull off may be for Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic. He is another name that has been on the trade market for quite some time now.
His 18 points and 10 rebounds averages on over 50% shooting would add a dynamic new dimension to Miami’s frontcourt. Their lack of big man depth makes a Vucevic addition even more attractive.
Who do you think the Heat should target? Or do you feel strong about the roster as is heading into the season? Let us know in the comments!
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… it looks like my post from earlier today was deleted? If I broke any site rules, I’m not aware of it. It’s also possible that this was some error with the comment system. If I did anything wrong, it would be nice if an admin would tell me what it was so that I could avoid it in the future.
I think one of mine disappeared too. Maybe a glitch?
It happens from time to time.
They are very fair here. I was put into pending when I crossed the third rail and discussed…well everyone knows what I said. But, even then, they must have decided I didn’t say anything too controversial and they put it out there maybe a couple hours later. I really appreciated that.
Your situation is more likely a glitch.
Ditto. I’m not going to bother writing it again except to say:
No LeBron and Holiday
Yes Morant, DeRozan and Vucevic.
None of those trades would be good for Heat.
Vuc maybe, depending on who we gave up. But, I’d rather have other guys than Vuc, only because he’s getting up there. So, I agree with you. It’s a quiescent period and it keeps us coming back, looking at the ads. I always wonder if you all get the same ads I do.
Add blocker is efficient on this site.