The Miami Heat have had a busy summer. They’re not done, with three open roster spots (two of which they will fill) still open. But with the main course of the summer now over, let’s evaluate every single move the organization made this offseason, headlined by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Miami Heat acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis:
Skinny: As much as I wanted the Heat to accumulate assets this (and in previous) summer(s), acquiring Antetokounmpo unquestionably raises the ceiling for this team when he’s healthy. He’s a top-3 player in the sport when he’s healthy. He’s a perennial MVP candidate capable of elevating this team into a contender in the East.
Given the Heat’s asset pool, or lack thereof, consolidating three of their top young assets (Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis), plus all three of their tradable first-round picks, one swap, one second-round pick and Tyler Herro, isn’t nothing. But to shake up the snowglobe for a premier talent still in his prime after four-straight play-in appearances? Worth it.
Grade Now: A
Heat draft Ryan Conwell:
Skinny: Miami wasted no time addressing their biggest need — efficient volume 3-point shooting — after swiping Antetokounmpo. The Heat traded up four spots to snag Conwell, who shot 38.4 percent from 3-point range on nearly eight attempts over his final three seasons in college. He needs to improve his ballhandling, but he’ll fit seamlessly as a spot-up and movement shooter off the bench. In a scaled down role, I believe he has the potential to be a plus defender as a rookie.
Grade Now: A
Heat extend Andrew Wiggins:
Skinny: Heading into a contract season, Miami tacked on two years, $34 million to his $30.2 million player option. His following two cap hits will be $16.5 million and $17.3 million, respectively, similar to what the non-taxpayer mid-level exception will be.
Those final two years are a steal, especially if he performs well this year. He can knock down open threes and defend multiple positions at a high level. However, in good faith, I can’t give this a promising grade when he still could’ve earned $64 million while rewarding the Heat short- and long-term flexibility (instead of just long-term).
We’re not in the room for every conversation, so we don’t know what was actually on the table. Retaining Wiggins was always a priority for them. But for a team who wants to win now, creating an extra ~$10 million in flexibility this summer would have made a difference for building out the rest of this roster.
Initial Grade: ——-
Grade Now: B
Heat re-sign Simone Fontecchio:
Skinny: Fontecchio had an up-and-down season in his first season with the Heat. But re-signing Fontecchio for the minimum was a good deal. He was one of the better volume shooters available in free agency. Fontecchio shot 36.7 percent on catch-and-shoot threes and 39.9 percent on open or wide-open treys, per NBA.com’s tracking data. He should be a back-end rotation player, and an impactful one, at that, if he’s neighboring 40 percent from deep.
Initial Grade: ——
Grade Now: B+
Heat sign Tim Hardaway Jr.:
Skinny: Hardaway had the best shoting season of his career last year, eclipsing 40 percent from deep for the very first time in 13 seasons. There are concerns about 1.) possible regression (he’s streaky) 2.) how viable he is in the postseason (career 33.0 3P% in playoffs) and 3.) his impact when he’s not making shots. But he’s a quality spot-up threat, and $6.5 million for him isn’t bad business for just one year.
Grade Now: B
How would you grade each Miami Heat move? Let us know in the comments!
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reading and hearing steph little pissed at warriors no additions can he be on the move to join his fathers team.
“The Miami Heat have had a busy summer. They’re not done, with three open roster spots (two of which they will fill) still open. But with the main course of the summer now over, let’s evaluate every single move the organization made this offseason, headlined by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
This article rates the moves made by the Heat to extend existing personnel, sign free agents and draft and trade for other personnel. However, it does not rate what the loss of the following personnel and assets mean to the team’s overall rating.
SB Nation’s 2026-2027 Preseason Ranking on July 25, 2026 has Miami ranked #15. The Athletic’s 2025-2026 Postseason Ranking on June 15, 2026 had Miami ranked #19.
It doesn’t seem like much of an improvement, so far. It will be interesting to see what Riley has up his sleeve that will take Miami from its current mediocre ranking to true contender status. It will also be interesting to see how Miami’s new players perform compared to the players Miami has lost. Time will tell.
We traded flesh for strong bones. It will take some time to get some flesh back.
What do you mean by time? The Heat needs more strong bones this season.
The bones are teams best players.. the flesh are role players. We send out role players for best player.. now we need more and better role players. Those we have now is not enough.
We definitely need some reinforcements. 3 open spots but the Heat have rarely filled out all 15, so I am not expecting them to this season.
I think they would want DeRozan and Klay and no big. Personally, I think they should try and sign a big like Nik Richards. Someone you can throw in to bang with Embiid and others a few minutes per game when the matchup requires it. I would love to get Bruce Brown considering the money constraints. He could be had and would help overall more than DeRozan, though DeRozan is better at his one thing than Brice is at anything.
My ideal would be Brown/DeRozan, Klay and Nik Richards. Those 3 with the money left is doable.
Here’s an excerpt from Saturday’s article in Heavy Heat:
Miami Heat Trade Idea for Kevin Durant
Heat would receive: Kevin Durant, Clint Capela
Rockets would receive: Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic
It became obvious during their playoff series loss to the Los Angeles Lakers that Durant and the Rockets are out of sync. Durant was allegedly caught badmouthing the Rockets’ young players using a burner account, and as the season progressed, reports suggested a disconnect between KD and the rest of his teammates.
Perhaps Durant would be better suited on a veteran team like the Heat, where he will be able to play his role rather than being obligated to be a leader — a role he has never felt comfortable in.
Furthermore, Durant is the exact type of co-star that Antetokounmpo, a non-shooter, could use. It also helps that KD had the Heat among his preferred trade destinations when the Phoenix Suns shipped him to the Houston Rockets last offseason.
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The Heat should still have enough left to sign two free agents on vet minimums.
Looks like Miami may have competiton for DeRozan. Denver, Cleveland and possibly Toronto.
kawhi allowed to go to tor i believe he follows.pat blew it we were never getting lebron
From what I can tell, we got 1 “bone” player (Giannis) and a couple of flesh players. We gave up much more than that plus a lottery pick, two additional unprotected picks, a second round pick and pick swaps.
I thought the whole purpose was to win it all now (Riley won’t be around forever) not to remain mediocre this season (#15) and try to fix the team next year. Did I miss something?
Well, that’s an official statement from Heat.. like the goal is championship, we have enough and similar kind of rubbish from Riley and Spo no matter if there is a 30 wins a season team in place. They are not allowed to say something different.
I did count, and I counted 6 players in the current team which can be a part of a contender team. I also don’t believe, that any of those players in free agency is good enough to be an addition to those 6 players. Heat also doesn’t have assets right now to trade for those who can be 7,8 or 9 player of that team.
So, the next season is for me a feel good season.. fill the holes with everybody you can get, and try to go as far as possible without pressure. And try to get players who can really help during the season.
We need three high quality players, two of them elite role players. And another star or really good player. Irving or Lilard at 80 % of their max would be that star addition.
who cares what some brian windhorst ira winderwoman think of us.this years team def better than last years team
I guess the question is how much better? The folks praising the brilliance of the trade now will be the first to condemn it if Miami ends up a play-in team again or barely makes the playoffs.
The objective in going all in wasn’t to satisfy egos and become “respectable.” It was to become competitive and one of the league’s elite teams with a serious shot at a title.
Hopefully, Riley’s overnight rebuild isn’t done yet. The Heat still needs another big, a playmaker and a clutch scorer.
I would take a risk on Ben Simmons, DeRozan and a 3 point shooter. KD for Wiggins and Jovic might be worth exploring. He’s overstayed his welcome in Houston. He can score and play defense and would be an upgrade over Wiggins
But you would be giving them Wiggins contract moving forward, which is what will make a massive difference in free agents next season, so I’m against it, and eventually Durant is going to breakdown.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure with 3 open roster spots that Riley isn’t done.
I’m sorry. I thought the whole purpose of the trade was to make Miami a contender this year, not in a year or two. The clock is ticking. Time is of an essence.
I’ve accepted Miami going all in to win now. However, I’m not a fan of trading away most all our young players and draft picks for the next 7 years for more mediocrity and more lame ass excuses.
Milwaukee can make excuses about next year, blah, blah, blah. Miami can’t. There are too many competitive teams in the East for Heat fans to tolerate another year or two or more of mediocrity.
You have expressed some of the things I have also been concerned about. I want to feel reasonably sure that we aren’t done yet, and as long as players have not signed elsewhere, we still have hope for strengthening this team this year.
I think it matters also, even if we only improve to, at worst, a second round exit level. I think we need to keep Giannis happy and feeling like he chose the right team. And next year, we have to go all out, no excuses.
The only thing is, I must admit I am feeling like we have been down this road before, improving the team but then being satisfied before we should be. When we had Butler, there were a few years where it felt like we were a trade away, especially after our unlikely playoff run.
I’m hoping we don’t go into the season empty handed from here. I won’t complain as I am too appreciative of having Giannis, but I will feel like we could have done even more.
Well, since we are required to have a minimum of 14 players, we must add at least 2 more players. Hopefully soon.
They are a contender in the east right now. Also, just like the Big 3 era, you are allowed to improve the team after the first season if you don’t win it all. But your concern is noted.
only problem now phily nyk. in big 3 era who was really good in east
Don’t forget Boston, Cleveland, Detroit and Toronto (if the Kahwi trade goes through and DeRozan decides to go back there for his last hurrah). Although Indiana, Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando and Washington are unknowns, each has the potential to be a playoff team.
Pending additional trades and free agent signings, most of the preceding teams have the personnel to compete with Miami (as the team is presently constituted). What Riley does from now until October may make the difference between another mediocre year and contention status.
u had to remind me ,east was weak last year what a diff a year makes.right now with our b/c were not champ level team our .front court is need a tyler herro guy who can defend and play 82 games.tyler herro when fresh as good a scorer in nba.he could get to the rim on anybody the exact opposite of niko
Playoff contender yes, but not an elite team or title contender.
Better than a team with Tyler and Ware. We’ve seen that team go nowhere, so you shilling for them is definitely a choice.
High price to pay to go from play-in to playoff team and no more. Miami mortgaged its future to win now, not tomorrow or next year. Anything less is unacceptable.
Folks around seem to be happy to get Giannis they will accept a team that makes the playoffs just so they won’t need to endure another play-in year and lottery player.
when greek is done we will suck,with ty jaco ware jjj playin team.had to make this deal 2q,marlins finally win great comeback still in wc contention
No question a better team. But Herro was going to be gone either way. A team of Bam, Ware, Jaquez, Pelle, Philon, Kas, Conwell, Mitchell, Wiggins, and whoever they got for Herro would, admittedly, be mediocre and somewhere between a play-in and 8 seed. But they’d be young, hungry, and I would have enjoyed watching them. And they would have all their draft picks. I will certainly also enjoy watching this team as I really like Giannis and many of the players on this roster.
need upgrade b/c and backup big might have to wait till next year and with that loaded phily team theyre gonna be a handful.brunson will still be around.east is now loaded.haliburton back .if we dont get a ring during greeks tenure this is a major failure.it will be fun watching a ss play night after night but we need more.a starting bc of dav and pelle not good enough.how bout plucking jrue holiday portlands got ja and dame
I believe they will be in the mix as long as Giannis is healthy. Even before filling those last 2-3 spots, they can field one of the best defensive starting teams in the league.
Bucks now have a stable of good young players and they added future draft picks from the Heat and others after depleting their own in the past. They might also pick up some additional picks or players if they trade Kuzma, Turner, or LaVert (or for that matter, Herro and Jaquez) in the not too distant future. They should be competitive and fun to watch and should only improve in the short and long term.
Wiggins has an option in year 3 so what you are basically talking about is one year’s savings, only. Please note, Giannis and Portis both have player options coming up next season. Therefore, Riley needs to plan ahead now on he will pay for their extensions in 2027-2028.
wiggins i consider a slightly better than average player not a real impactful player not physical doesnt make other players better him and jimmy put up similar #s but jimmys impact on winning far exceeds wig.in greek we are getting such a dominant player on both sides of the ct.what an incred player hes worth everything we gave up for him.were only gonna get 3-5 years of greatness only bummer.
Wiggins is a good 2-way (#4) role player. If he can be traded for an upgrade to a #3 or #2 player, that would be preferable.
yeah hes a #4 option poor mans version myles bridges of nyk.hes never crashing boards for offensive rebounds.we forget about the gardner hes got toughness and skills.just needs to calm down a little bit
trading wig and jovic is a no brainer hous not doing that sm.wig and pelle ?
Dickerson ruins team chemistry wherever he goes, Phoenix, Houston etc. He would be a downgrade over Wiggins on defense. The guy who tries to justify joining a 73-9 Warriors team on the grounds that they weren’t a known team at that point.
Wiggins adds to team chemistry, is a proven top 5 rotation player on a title team, and fills a vital need at a difficult position (other than OG Anunoby there aren’t that many at his position who are clearly better). Plus his contract at his current level will turn to gold next year at $17m (vs 45m for OG)
eric dickerson retired .what position is wiggy hes not a pf and not a high flyer sf.hes like a tweener.ok player not an all star not a jovic scrub.
Wiggins is a big wing (a player archetype that’s hard to find). 6’8, 7′ wingspan, 8’11” standing reach is power forward length in the NBA. The literal opposite of a tweener (no position) because he can guard multiple positions on defense.
KD is a very good defender and he’s a few inches taller than Wiggins. I know he has baggage but it would be Spo’s job to keep him in line. Same if they bring in Westbrook. Play how Miami. needs him to play or sit on end of bench. Same as Ben Simmons.
Houston was 4 points worse on defense with Durant in the lineup last year. Vs Miami 2 points worse with Wiggins, but Wiggins was defending the opponents top scorers every night. Westbrook is nothing more than a p/r/a merchant and doesn’t defend at all, plus needs the ball on offense.
Spo has his work cut out for him reworking the offense around Giannis, last thing he needs is a miserable locker room, which is almost a guarantee with KD. The players last year who had the most issues with playing time etc, Ware and Herro, are gone, which should help chemistry. Wiggins is often cited as a favorite teammate, would be a big mistake to trade that impact on and off the court. And he’s an ideal fit with Giannis because he defends and doesn’t need the ball.
Talking about bones, Philadelphia has (at least) four of them (Embiid, James, Brown, Maxey). They also have a potent group of flesh (Edgecombe, Wade, Simmons, Philon) plus they are pursuing trades and free agents.
kcp older but would u take him over pelle for a few years?anfernee simons not ben simmons.ben simmons biggest underachiever ever in nba,in college was the next magic johnson.no pride in his nba game got paid though
fragile bones, but quality flesh.
I think these are about right, though I could argue the Giannis grade it too high.
Giannis definitely changes the teams expectations, but I’m not sure it’ll be an A move unless it ends up with hardware, or the players and picks Miami sent to Milwaukee don’t develop or pan out.
u kidding me 2nd best player in nba .finally get watch a ss with e reid on the call and rc game day postings lifes good.w/o greek i dont think we are even a playin team.east is tough no gimmes even the generals are a problem now
He’s not the second best player in the NBA. He was the best, but so was LeBron at some point. So was KD, Steph and Embiid. He’s top 10, when healthy. Health is a big question mark. You know who else is top 10 when healthy? Joel Embiid, and I’d have a ton of concerns if he was in Miami too.
He is the best player the Heat have had since LeBron.
embid cant move anymore even when he is healthy.in my opinion going into next year theres one player id rather have than ours and that is joker.greek is still in his prime i dont see wemby as dominant cause of that thin frame.players that tall and thin tend not to last to long.
Its all about the depth. Check out the elite teams. One thing they have in common is depth. The Heat traded theirs away.
Traded the two worst defenders on the team last year statistically in Herro and Ware. Should be better next year on defense simply by not playing those two minutes. Traded a RFA in Jaquez who would have been impossible to resign next year along with their other wing Larsson, and they chose the more impactful defender with the higher ceiling, better positional size in Larsson. And traded Jakucionis who was a positive but played <18 mpg. That's not much depth to send out in a trade for an all time great, esp. considering Herro and Jaquez were due extensions that could not be paid.
i think milw chose who they wanted 2015.id take jjj highway over pelle its pretty close .but jjj can get his own shot pelle not so much
It’s not close at all in talent and ceiling between those two players
gardner timmy port not bad need a few more though.drus great d no offense.
Top 10 is way too low for Giannis. He has not been outside top 5 in MVP voting in a full season since 2018. Embiid whose peak was much shorter and not as high – 1 MVP vs 2 for Giannis – is not even in the same class of player, as good as he is.
besides joker im taking greek