Before the Miami Heat got over the finish line to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, it was rumored that they could also acquire Duncan Robinson in a three-team trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons— as the Pistons had interest in landing Tyler Herro as part of the trade.
Ultimately, the Antetokounmpo to Miami blockbuster wound up being a straight deal between the Heat and Bucks.
But there may still be pathways to get Robinson back to South Beach— who would be a pitch-perfect shooting fit alongside a Giannis and Bam Adebayo led lineup.
Robinson is the Heat’s all-time franchise leader in 3-pointers made and is arguably their biggest undrafted success story. He had plenty of huge moments and deep playoff runs during his time in Miami. The veteran sharpshooter still poses as a valuable rotation piece on a contending team.
It’s been rumored that Detroit is indeed willing to move on from Robinson after just one season with the Pistons.
He averaged 12.2 points on 41% shooting from 3-point range across 77 games played for them this past year. And there are a couple of ways that the Heat could still get their hands on bringing back Robinson and his efficient shooting ability this summer.
1. Sign-and-trade with Norman Powell
As mentioned, Detroit was interested in getting involved in the Giannis trade because they wanted Herro. The Pistons have been in the market for an experienced secondary playmaker to plug in next to Cade Cunningham. With Herro now being sent to Milwuakee, Detroit has reportedly shown interest in another 2025-26 Heat backcourt piece in Norman Powell, according to several sources.
Unless Powell is willing to take a significant pay cut— one that could see his $20+ million market value go as down to $12 million— it is going to be difficult for Miami to retain him. However, they are reportedly interested in orchestrating a sign-and-trade with Powell.
If the Pistons are truly targeting the 2026 All-Star, they could pose as a perfect partner to send back Robinson to the Heat in such a deal.
2. Pistons buyout or release Duncan Robinson
A buyout would be the best case scenario for the Heat to add Robinson. It would still give Robinson some of what he is owed for the remainder of his contract, and fall right back into Miami’s lap for potentially a discounted deal as a free agent.
A Robinson buyout or release only became a possibility following Detroit’s recent acquisition of Isaiah Joe— another sharpshooting backcourt option similar to Robinson. The Pistons traded for Joe on Friday from the OKC Thunder.
Only $2 million of Robinson’s $16.0 million cap hit in 2026-27 is guaranteed until January 10. Thus at least making such an idea a real possibility for the Pistons.
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This kid looks like he has a lot of potential on both sides of the ball.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xvi1gGFwZ8
greek?
4 schools in 4 years, thats probably not good.
Eh, par for the course now.
It’s always easier to assume the worst in people though I guess. Helps to not get your hopes up too high. Side effect of late stage capitalism, don’t worry too much, stay hydrated, and you’ll be okay.
That gives him a lot of experience in different situations. It’s not where you’ve been in life, it’s where you are going. I know. It took me 3 marriages to get it right. Been right now for 42 years.
my theory is if bam is your second best player u cant win a title however if your best player is greek that theory might not hold water.man how did pat pull this off.jacos tys wares jjjs grow on trees not aprons.ss thems hard to get they dont come around da block to often.pat got him an orca whale and im starting to get fitted for some jewelry.the old steelers motto one for the thumb is on.cant wait for the volcatones of e reid and my brother rcs game time postings and the best post game writer in america sm.lgh
Latest reports I’ve seen –
Heat NOT bringing in any Giannis brothers.
Saw short video of Wiggins doing some running/exercising with Hardaway.
That’s a relief. I was wondering how far Riley was willing to go.
jr.?
Yes
It’s happening!
Don’t be stressing about it. Riley had it all figured out before he agreed to the trade. If Uncan isn’t available, I’m sure Riley has someone in mind who is Uncanesque. Just chill, be patient and trust “the process.” Be happy…don’t worry.
If push comes to shove, I would bring Alec Burks back. He’s an average (not poor) defender, knows the system, had 42.5% 3-point average when he played with Miami and will take the vet minimum. If you disagree, please don’t yell at me. I’m just the piano player.
Any way they could keep Simone? He was a solid tenth man type, pretty good from three point land.
It isn’t the 10th man they need to focus on, it’s everyone after Bam, Giannis, Mitchell, Larsson and Portis.
so true
That will be nice with Robinson’s knowledge of Spo’s defensive strategy, it will be easier for him to work on his defensive skills and his back courting tendency will be an added advantage over newbies to the Heat’s team.
no no no
While I would get some laughs seeing you deal with his return, I must agree that we don’t need Duncan part deux.
nor simone part deux
Hmm, at vet minimum, I’d take a flyer.
I feel like the fanbase is still suffering from runitback-itis that seeing anyone that has played for the Heat during this time should not come back, even if helpful. Not wanting Middleton is the inverse of this thought. Now if we get desperate let’s put our beer goggles on.
need chocolates solo
Jason “White Chocolate” Williams takes umbrage
he was white on the outside black on the inside sort of like herro,dunc white outside white inside
“He was white on the outside black on the inside”
sort of like (fill in the blank) _______________
j williams t herro all i got off top of my head u?believe j will and tys voices both were very broish and they were pretty fly on the ct.
Naw. They talk the talk but…?
pretty fly for a white guy
If they can walk the walk into a house party in so central L.A. with 100% black folks or play on 2 different all black so central semi-pro baseball teams and not feel nor be viewed as being out of place, then you’ll know.
Beggars can’t be choosers. Take what you can get. Not the time to pass up limited opportunities. They may dry up sooner than later. With caps, most teams are looking for cheap labor.
no duncs or simones im good with just about anybody else.we just need some grizzly ring chaser vets that will work for cheap .to be 7-10ers.11-15 can be the rook or very cheapyoung labor.need friggin 2 wayers simone duncs are 1 wayers and their one way aint that great
Miami needs 3 point shooters on vet minimum contracts. They can’t afford anyone else.
chris middleton jrue holiday have made enough $$$ for 10 lifetimes ,theres 5 fingers on a hand that ring is worth alot more than a few million .to play with greek again y the f not
15 mle to norm 5 mil to middleton 5 mil to the bahama dude.just please no one wayers
max strus?jon collins?
Are you asking if I would take either one? Yes, both.
I like Dunc, and I like to laugh.
hes so funny to watch on d his facial expressions crack me up love his d