The Miami Heat officially tipped off the 2026 NBA Offseason by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo in a massive six-player blockbuster. But the Heat’s work is far from finished; the next few weeks should be quite busy for them.
One area that desperately needs to be addressed is the team’s 3-point shooting around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo — with Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis and Kel’el Ware (and possibly Norman Powell) all gone. Who are a few free agents they should target to remedy that need? Let’s examine!
Honorable Mention: Coby White
Skinny: My hunch is that White, who’s from North Carolina, is returning to Charlotte. But he’s worth exploring for the mid-level. White is a good shot creator and shooter — two areas that Heat desperately need to address. Last year, he averaged 17.4 points and 4.0 assists on 44.6/36.2/81.7 shooting splits. He’d be among the best-case scenario of players Miami could realistically add this summer.
Quentin Grimes:
Skinny: Grimes is a name that I have repeatedly mentioned as a player the Heat should target over the last several weeks. He has a fairly strong track record of being an efficient 3-point shooter despite a career-worst season last year, shooting 37.5 percent on 5.2 triple tries over his first four seasons. Grimes is also a rock-solid defender who moves his feet well and can defend 1-3s. He also has some more juice off the dribble than he gets credit for, but his strong 3-and-D pedigree would be beneficial to a Heat rotation bereft of guard depth.
Gary Trent Jr.:
Skinny: Another 3-and-D option; Trent’s caveat is that he’ll have a $3.9 million player option to navigate by next week. He didn’t have a great second season in Milwaukee, averaging 8.1 points on 36.0 percent shooting from deep after a very strong postseason in 2024-25. Should he opt out, Trent’s two-way services could be beneficial in Miami, although he has slipped the last two seasons defensively. Still, the 27-year-old offers a high floor as a 3-point shooter — shooting 39.2 percent (6.4 3PA) from deep from 2019-25 — and could be a low-cost option.
Luke Kennard:
Skinny: Kennard is one of the most efficient marksmen in the whole sport. But his percentages are a little fluky given his propensity to hesitate. Still, he’s shot a remarkable 45.8 percent on 4.4 attempts per contest over the last six seasons. That’s a large sample of hyper-efficient shooting. That’s nothing to sneeze at, even though I wish Kennard was far more aggressive in spot-up situations to keep defenses honest. His smooth southpaw stroke — off movement and in stand-still situations — would fit well off the bench in South Florida.
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Check out Hot Hot Hoops on Facebook here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
- Giannis Antetokounmpo will sleep better now that he’s Bam Adebayo’s teammate
- 2026 Las Vegas Summer League GameThread: Miami Heat (1-2) v. Toronto Raptors (2-1)
- Hanifan: Giannis Antetokounmpo is hungry for the pressure that awaits him in Miami
- NBA will not punish Bam Adebayo over Tyler Herro dust up
- Miami Heat: 3 takeaways after 3 Las Vegas Summer League games
- Heat owner unanimously named Chairman of NBA’s Board of Governors
- Heat’s apparent biggest roster flaw is better than some are giving credit for
tyler herro has never shot over 40% on 3s,he will be flipped to old for their timeline.maybe to the motor city they need a scorer
bp can play pf and hes played center hes as strong as an ox.not sure pat does deal if portis not included.
Kyle Korver: 53.64% (59-110) in 2009-10 with the Utah Jazz
Steve Kerr: 52.35% (77-147) in 1994-95 with the Chicago Bulls
Tim Legler: 52.24% (128-245) in 1995-96 with the Washington
we will not be a small team anymore f that.greek 6 11 portis 6 9 bam 6 9 wiggy goes back to sf playing him at pf was dumbot,i hope vlad gets a fair shot for pt or send him to dallas
btw portis is a great 3pt shooter
Reality Czech
22 hours ago
Portis is a career 39% 3p% and was an insane 45.6% this season.
(nice of you to catch up. Better late than never I guess)
45.6 yikes whats the highest ever that s incred.if we just got giannis i wouldnt be as happy.double flips for giannis and portis.plus bp is 250 and one bad ass if u mess with him or a heater.hes in your face our new enforcer rc.heat have been so so soft last few years.
Getting Portis was a good addition
yes rc just greek would have been great but portis wow.very versatile big always wanted him unfort we got pj tucker instead of bp
when u make a career move u have to factor the city in would u rather live in det or miami thats a no brainer ,
i like myron hes been spostrasized.especially after he blindsided pippen.i dont like my fellow italian simone as much.dont want him back.id be calling denver to get shnozzy over there.
bb iq and experience won nyk ring we will have that on our side facing these young up and comers
Where’s the bbq? h4l’s house?
basketball
chris middleton will be a heater.klay thompson possibly jaden ivey maybe.although hes little strange.there will be some decent vets added.we might be the oldest team in nba but maybe the best very soon
The Detroit Pistons are expected to be one of the teams interested in Norm Powell, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Powell is an unrestricted free agent and could reasonably command a salary worth upwards of $20 million per year. The Heat are already approaching luxury tax territory without him on the books, making it highly unlikely that they can afford to keep Powell while giving themselves any wiggle room to add other players.
Miami gave up 3 of its top 8 point shooters in the Antetokounmpo trade:
Jakucionis – 42.3%
Ware – 39.5%
Herro – 37.8%
In addition, it appears possible they may also lose 3 other three point shooters:
Powell – 38.0% to Detroit
Wiggins – 41.4% to free agency
Fontecchio – 37.5% to free agency
If that happens, only 2 of last years top 8 point 3 point shooters will remain:
Gardner – 40.6%
Mitchell 39.5%
Any thoughts?
we wont lose both wiggy and powell.powell has jamaican roots.big jamaican pop down here.this is a hot destination now guys will come or resign here.beautiful city lots hottys no st inc tax and a top 2 player now.if norm wants to freeze his ass off up there than f him
While the Heat likely would prefer to retain Powell, acquiring Antetokounmpo puts them into a financial bind. The two-time NBA MVP is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract and will become eligible to sign a four-year, $275 Million extension with Miami in January. Unless Powell takes a discount, he will likely be too expensive to retain in South Beach.
Per Bleacher Report:
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that the Detroit Pistons intend to add Powell, who is coming off his first All-Star season, to their list of potential offseason targets as they look to add shooting and playmaking in support of star guard Cade Cunningham.
Current reports suggest the Heat are not expected to move Wiggins if he opts in, though his contract could be key for future trades unless an All-Star opportunity arises. He may also opt out and negotiate a new extension with Miami or seek a long term contract elsewhere.
hope not greek needs to do a brunson
powell stays in miami so does wiggins.detroit one putrid city to live in
Money talks.
we have greek bam they have cade duren were the better team better city better chance for a ring down here that talks to.hes staying here pat will show him those rings on his hand
Looks like Powell won’t be back. Maybe Heat can bring Alec Burkes back on vet minimum? He’s only 34.
Money talks bs walks. It’s like our tax laws. Billionaires pay nothing and the little guy gets reamed? If anybody gives up anything, it should be the highest paid team members, not the middle or lower paid ones. Fair is fair.
If Bam and Giannis truly want to win a ring or two, they should be willing to renegotiate their contracts and take a little less to help pay for their supporting cast. After all, Cali’s top state income tax rate is about 14% or so. Florida has no state income tax. What’s 14% of $100M?
THE ART OF THE STEAL
It turns out the Celtics were not close to meeting Milwaukee’s asking price for Giannis. Yet, Riley apparently felt threatened about potentially losing out to Boston on the trade. As a result, he was willing to significantly expand his initial offer by adding a third unprotected first-round pick, rookie guard Kasparas Jakučionis and a second round pick.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Celtics made an aggressive bid to get Giannis, though they weren’t willing to go as far as the Heat, offering just Jaylen Brown and a couple of first-rounders.
The bottom line is that the Milwaukee owner(s) brilliantly used the threat of trading Giannis to Boston as the leverage they needed to outwit and outmaneuver Riley to squeeze every last asset possible out of him. In the end, it appears he bid against himself unnecessarily, by increasing his initial offer to include one additional first round pick, Kasparas Jakucionis and one second round pick.
Let’s hope Heat fans don’t come to regret that Riley’s desperation to win another championship and enhance his legacy resulted in him needlessly overpaying for Giannis. The team sure could use Jakucionis and those two picks back.
Any thoughts?
brad stevens getting killed in boston not willing to give up hugo gonzalez scheyrman and a pick/u cant lose giannis because of jaco no fn way
Bingo!
marlins nice win sandy looking good . wc contender
Sounds like a personal problem. F Boston and the horse Paul Revere rode in on.
i like boston as a city my brother lives up there been there bunch times only in summers of course
go colombia
this team was going nowhere needed a ss ,now we have a chance for jewelry unfort greek is going into his 14 th year only downside plus some injuries.pray for healthy tenure here
Thats the story goes when you are bidding and you dont know what the opposite side is offering. In my opinion, it was very close.
The price was high, but talking about overpaying or who played who is rubbish.
If this had been handled properly, Heat would still have Jakucionis, 1st & 2nd round picks. If Riley had played the Bucks the way he was played instead, we wouldn’t hear the last of it around here. Either way, he’s a negotiating genius. Right?
H4L, RC, you or I could have offered what Riley finally did with the exact same results. It didn’t take a master negotiator. I hate overpaying for anything. Apparently you don’t. Too bad Riley didn’t insist on them taking Jovic instead. Jus sayin.
the notorious sorry ass se division is getting good guys
Atlanta is going to be hell. So is Charlotte. Jury still out on Orlando and the Generals.
we couldnt beat orlando this year now we can im not worried about atl charlotte .im more worried about nyk maybe boston thats our only competition.u do realize greek is still in his prime i got him as second best player in nba along with lots of others
I don’t think any of the top 10 teams, including the Knicks, are planning to maintain the status quo.
The top teams, in the east and west, including a few additional up and coming teams, will be looking for reinforcements (e.g. 3 point shooting, playmaking, rebounding, defense, Playoff experience, etc.).
There will be a few more significant trades and free agent signings before next season and again before the trade deadline.
We won’t know the lay of the land until March/April. By then, the cream should have risen to the top.
Bruce Thornton at #41
Or Trevon Brazile
Brazile won’t make it. Would be shocked
Won’t make it in the league, or won’t make it to 41? Mock drafts have him in the 40s. IMO Heat need upside swings/best available at 41, another Larsson type pick
I think he’s gone before 41 is what I meant
bo bos son?
The Heat has always been one of the better teams to find undrafted and castoff players. DJJ, Duncan, Dru, Max, Vincent, UD, Whiteside, Caleb. The fact that this is a very deep draft means there will possibly be some decent players available after pick #60 for G league or development to end of bench players. I think that’s what the fo was doing when it recently brought in several players that appeared in mock drafts in the latter part of the second round. We will also get to see our current youngsters like Young, Keels, and Vlad in summer league along with #41 and undrafted players. It is more important than ever because they need to restock with younger players since the draft cupboard is thin and money will be very tight.
Yeah, there will be specialists available who don’t get drafted. Those are the types the Heat go after, as well as many agents want to try and get their guys to the Heat, so there might be a few nice choices once the draft is over.
You usually come up with some names. I’ll look forward to some of your suggestions.
Now that we have Giannis I have placed them in categories. Guys that realistically could be there and why we would draft them. I think we can’t risk a project at 41 as we need cheap, productive labor. So my guess is we pick a guy they think can contribute this year.
Guys who could contribute: Jaden Bradley & Ryan Conwell. I think both could see minutes off the bench depending who we sign as FA’s. Conwell would have to switch to PG due to size, but he can score.
Guys that can only shoot 3’s for the most part but that makes them potential cheap source of 3’s: Alex Karaban, Tyler Nickel and Tyler Atwell. The Duncyard Dog specials.
Guys that you draft because of upside and not worry if they can’t contribute at first: Richie Saunders (could be in shooting category of guys but injury could push his start date so would be more of a project), Aaron Nkrumah (could be a glue guy if put through culture boot camp), Jaron Pierre as a contributing wing if put through culture boot camp.
I like guys like Brazile and Ejiofor, but not sure they use 41 on frontcourt. I think it depends if they feel it’s easier to get shooting or backcourt creation in FA vs draft
I will take a look. I looked at 2015s Thornton. Would be interesting. Like most in that neighborhood, some deficiencies of course, but he can shoot from anywhere.
There are a few interesting projected undrafted players this year.
Here’s a few more.
https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2026-nba-draft-undrafted-free-agency
While I’m at it, here’s a list of projected second round picks including profiles.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49085966/2026-nba-round-2-mock-draft-best-available-players-picks-predictions
From here everything is easier. Any weaknesses or shortcomings can be adjusted to. I do admit to a little disappointment if it’s true Norm won’t be returning. But, nothing is gonna rain on my parade.
This team will turn out to be a very strong one. The only potential pitfall will be injuries, but that is true of everyone. I do like the DeRozan idea a lot. He still has plenty left, but he had no motivation playing on a dreary team in a dreary place.
I’m still high from winning out on the whale hunt and Im just along for the ride now. The Heat can do no wrong for the next three years as far as I’m concerned.
Long period of criticism, particularly against Riley about what a complete failure and incompetent he was, to unbridled euphoria and praise. Glad you’re happy now.
Yes, I gave my honest, unconditional mea culpas. I give my complete approval for the direction we have now taken. I hope you will be happy too. I think you will be.
Of course. I said I’d be happy either way. I love this team. I really like and admire Giannis. And I am confident the team will find complimentary talent to surround him with.
DeRozan about to get waived and stretched by the Kings. Get that guy a Heat jersey!
I for one would not understand the fit. Derozen is a mid range killer. How do you create spacing with Giannis, Bam and Derozen? Feel like the $ could be spent better elsewhere personally, even if Derozen is a better player.
this team just need guards that can create offense right now. Bam and Giannis are both great players, but neither one is going to create easy buckets in the 4th quarter. Heat also have very little cap space, no picks to trade, and just added a 31-year that wants to win a Championship. They’re not really in a position to be picky
I’m torn as I agree he does not create spacing, but he still can score. Off the bench, if willing to play for vet minimum, it wouldn’t be bad.
Exactly! I don’t think he’d have a problem coming off the bench. It seems like he’s always been meant to be on this team at some point. This is that point. A professional scorer.
I’m not hating on Derozen at all, but Miami is very limited in allocable dollars, using them on a player who while good, may not fit, would be a big risk.
I get they need guards, but if the guard is going to occupy the same space as your stars, I’m not sure you want to be playing 3 on 5, with no one to kick out to.
As for creating easy buckets, that much is true, though Bam is a professional screener, and maybe Giannis can get down hill off those screens. How I see this team is currently assembled, the easy buckets would have to come off of defensive stops and transition, which is Giannis’ strength.
Three point specialist to me, is where Miami needs to spend most of its focus. A backup big, would be the other, though I guess they could use Portis as the main back up to Bam and Giannis, which would lessen the need for the big.
Agree.
Obviously, the team will be much better, but probably not yet title contender next season.
There are Jovic, Pelle and Gardner still in the team, so some youth is there to root for. It would be fun to watch another 2 way/ g league prospect making the team.
Addition should be tricky. We need good cheap vets .. some names Bruce Brown, Mike Conley, Dort, Grimes, Simone among guard and wings… KO out of centers.
I mean Jovic is tough to root for, if he can’t figure out how to actually play. Been in the dog house seemingly for long stretches every year.
Gardner is fun, but I don’t think anyone watching him, thinks he’s a real future contributor.
To me, Miami has essentially gutted the entire youth (though I’m happy they kept Larsson). Based on what I’ve seen, I can’t be sold on Keshad, Myles, Jovic, Vlad or whomever they fill out the bottom of the roster with, at least until we see it in meaningful action.
Jovic played according to his salary in 3 out of 4 seasons.
I do think that he is a quality player, which can turn things around, as did JJJ last year. He will have his chance next season, the pressure will not be as big as this season, with more margin for error and less competition. The team will play different, with more structure, which could benefit him.
Pelle can add a little more to his game, and Gardner could be an important part of the rotation.
I like young and skilled players, and those who can play hard. Those three are close to that.
We need those too, because Greek is the monster getting to the rim, but watching him throwing bricks from free throws and long range is really painful.
Justice, as bad he was, was a professor for him in that regard.
I somehow agree with both you and Zac. When did Jovic play some of his best ball? When he was playing with a dominating ss. Does it matter who that ss is? I don’t know. But I think, as you say, that the pressure will be much lower. I see Gardner as a lighter version of Alvarado – a guy who is feisty, can score a little, and is likely to get into a fight. Pelle is already good and is a hard worker. The others are still question marks.
Love Pelle. Enjoy watching Myron (just think his upside is extremely limited). Maybe he is Alvarado and has a long career from being pesky, but I think it’s too early to say we’ve seen enough from him to trust him with a role, if the goal is to compete in 2026-27.
Myron had the best on off defensive rebounding on the team last year, the Heat were +6.5 in DRB% with him on the court. If his 3PT shot is there he could get real minutes on this team. The edge he plays with is extremely valuable
Ask Pippen Jr about his edge. #Culture
That’s what i said. He tends to play best with a guy like that and can see him making a turnaround. I understand the reports of possibly shopping him to free up space but not sure how they do that without some sort of compensation, which I wouldn’t do. He can play. Trust “The Process.” lol
Yeah, we’d have to add a sweetener that we don’t have.
I hope you’re right, he’s definitely had flashes in his short career. I just think we also have to recognize that every time he’s been given an opportunity to have a role, Spo has managed to glue him back to the bench. Still young. Still has talent. But maybe the confidence is shot? I dunno.
Heat are 6-1 or 14% now to win the East, probably still too low considering they have the best player in the conference. Boston for some reason is still the favorite at 30%, then NYK at 25%. The East team needs to get into the Finals, where anything can happen after another likely long WCF
Shams reporting that Heat planning on Norm not being here.
If he’s right line-up as it stands:
PG – Mitchell
SG – Pelle
SF – Wiggins
PF – Giannis
C – Bam
Gonna need some three point shooting big time. Bench also weaker with Pelle in the starting line-up. Only two players with meaningful minutes on the roster would be Portis and Jovic.
Even though he is a solid player, and good vet presence, his injuries this season kind of concern me. I would agree seeing his name in the starting lineup would make you feel better.
For better or worse, I’m expecting Bradley Beal
We finally got ’em! Woooo! 😛 😛
lol. I’m trying to figure out a Wiggins for Durant trade
Pistons looking to try and sign Norm. They can offer more, so I say save the $ and go after Grimes. Younger and health not as much of a concern. I doubt Norm signs here for $12 to stay.
I too have been saying Grimes. HFL shot me down. We sign Grimes and HFL will change his tune. 😉
On signing day, HFL would say he’s going to be prime Ray Allen. First bad game, he’d ask why we didn’t sign Cam Thomas.
I could not imagine a better description! That leopard does not change its spots. I have said he is one of the people here who should have the nickname Eggo, because of how often he waffles. As we see in the comments, he is not the only one.
grimes is your typical journeyman he changes teams like i change opinions very often.im the quentin grimes now of hhh