There have been a slew of trades and free agent signings made over the last several weeks, headlined by the Miami Heat acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo in a six-player blockbuster in late June.
However, those deals can’t be made official until July 6 — the official end of the league’s moratorium period. Terms can be agreed upon, but trades, as an example, could be bridged together by this time. There could also be slight changes in the originally-reported salary figures and signings.
Pen can’t officially touch the paper until 12:01 p.m. EST. So, what is there to expect from the Miami Heat? Let’s examine!
Heat can finalize Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster:
Ah, yes, the big one.
Antetokounmpo was dealt to Miami in late June in a six-player package headlined by Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware. The two-time MVP was dealt as well as veteran big Bobby Portis, who the Heat absorbed with its $16.8 million trade exception.
At the time of the trade, it was reported that just two teams — Miami and Milwaukee — were involved despite weeks of speculation that this was going to include at least three or four teams. According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, it’s still only expected to include two, barring any last-minute changes to the test.
Tim Hardaway Jr. signs one-year, $6.5 million deal:
Through nearly one week of free agency, Hardaway remains the Heat’s only external signing. The son of former Heat guard Tim Hardaway Sr., Hardaway Jr. finished top-3 in Sixth Man of the Year voting last year with the Denver Nuggets. He led all reserves in 3-point makes, canning a career-most 224, averaging 13.5 points on a career-best 40.7 percent from 3-point range.
Could there be another move in the works?
As more moves become finalized around the NBA, there will be ripple effects. There will almost certainly be a twist somewhere, whether it’s a player getting rerouted elsewhere or, in a more uncommon instance, signing somewhere else (i.e. DeAndre Jordan in 2015). None of these may directly involve the Heat, but that does not mean the Heat, who have three empty roster spots, won’t look to inquire elsewhere.
After all, we still have a long offseason ahead, and the Heat still have work to do.
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On Monday night, Serbia defeated Bosnia 94-81 in Belgrade, Nikola Jokic filled the box with a triple-double of 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
While Jokic was once again the main organizer of Serbia’s offense, Miami Heat power forward Nikola Jovic also delivered a strong scoring performance, leading Serbia with 32 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 7-of-9 from three-point range.
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Excerpts from allucanheat article (July 6, 2026)
The Heat could hope for a huge Nikola Jovic bounce back season
The Heat could hope for a huge Nikola Jovic bounce back season. And that’s not such an outlandish idea, either. Even though Jovic had a pretty disheartening season a year ago, it would be foolish to suggest that he couldn’t bounce back. He’s still just 23 years old and does have some interesting skills as an option next to Giannis and Bam Adebayo.
Jovic is still an intriguing playmaker, and if he can bounce back as a perimeter shooter, perhaps playing next to a dynamic scorer like Giannis will give him a better chance to rewrite his narrative. Add in the element of diminishing pressure, and, just maybe, Jovic will find himself in a position where he can prove the naysayers wrong.
Ira Winderman: world cup basketball: Nikola Jovic in Serbia 94-78 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina: 32 points on 11 of 16 FG, 7 of 9 on 3s, 3 blocks. Pelle Larsson in Sweden 88-79 win over Slovenia: 31 points on 10 of 21 FG, 1 of 8 on 3s, 10-15 FTs, 3 assists.
DeRozan is a free man. Clips interested and wouldn’t be surprised if he goes there as I believe he is from L.A.
Depends on whether he wants a legit shot at a ring. Clippers don’t offer that Play-in team, at best.
He’s prioritized money a few times. Now I’m curious if he goes to play at home in L.A., signs with a contender for full MLE, or takes a bucket of popcorn to play for a contender. We’re hoping he likes Carnival popcorn.
Which teams are willing/able to pay him full MLE?
We should do everything possible to get him!
Absolutely!!! If we are going to dream, let’s go ahead and dream big.
Point Guards: Beal, Mitchell, Smith,
Shooting Guards: Wiggins, Larsson, Hardaway, Conwell,
Small Forwards: LeBron, DeRozan, Gardner,
Power Forwards: Giannis, Jovic, Fontecchio,
Centers: Bam, Portis
The market drying up and folks accepting minimum deals is just going to take time. Beal, Middleton, James – none of these players have signed. Miami may get one or more of them. The roster may end up being the oldest in the NBA when it’s all said and done, but if stuff falls into place, they’ll have some interesting pieces around Giannis.
It’s pretty clear at this point that year 1 build will be older, especially if we add Lebron.
I’m curious as to who they think can be a contributing backup big. No way it can be Goldin going into the season.
At the moment, it would be Portis, who would be better than anyone we’ve had in the last few years.But I still believe they will add a more traditional big as well. I am underwhelmed by the 2 in summer league so far.
I checked the list of available centers and it was meh-smerizing. Looney and Nick Richards look like All Stars compared to the rest of the list. lol
Where are Olynyk, Orlando Robinson, Yurtseven, Bryant, Miles Leonard and that bald headed white dude when they are needed?
Olynyk is a guy I could see them bring in but he doesn’t have much left. He fell off a cliff this past season and not sure if it was team/fit related or body breaking down related.
I would prefer a big, physical, rebounding defender, if possible. There has to be one out there. I like Drummond, unfortunately, he was just signed by the Knicks.
I think the “Vooch” may still be available.
Back to the Magic for one season for $3.9 million.
It’s all in, regardless of age. Live in the moment. Today is all that matters. Tomorrow (like resistance) is irrelevant.
Age is irrelevant. Today is all that matters. Tomorrow is someone else’s problem.