3 low-cost trade targets to address Heat's biggest need

The Miami Heat have a pivotal offseason ahead, and their biggest need (outside of pure talent) exists in the frontcourt behind Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. I don’t think it’s likely that they attack that need during a thinned-out big man draft. So, who are a few low-cost trade targets they could consider?! Let’s examine!

Yves Missi, Pelicans:

Remaining Contract: Two years, $9.1 million | 2026-27 cap hit: $3.5 million

Skinny: I have campaigned for Missi before, so what I am about to say isn’t particularly new. It’s simple: He doesn’t quite fit in New Orleans’ new-look frontcourt spearheaded by Zion Williamson and now-second-year big Derik Queen, and could greatly benefit from the Heat’s developmental staff.

Missi, who turns 22-years-old on Thursday, has an excellent motor, is a premier lob threat, a very good offensive rebounder and is an above-average shot blocker. He’s still very raw around the fringes, but would be a good athletic developmental piece behind Adebayo and Ware. He’s only been playing basketball since he was 16.

Goga Bitadze, Magic:

Remaining Contract: One-year, $7.6 million (expiring)

Skinny: Bitadze had an up-and-down season in Orlando, and will be entering the final year of his three-year, $25 million contract. Last year, he averaged 5.9 points and 5.0 rebounds across just 15.2 minutes per game.

He’s been a consummate professional in Orlando’s loaded frontcourt, and would fill a similar role in Miami. He’ll need to cut down the fouls, but he’s a strong, effective rebounder and play finisher who could bridge the non-Bam minutes.

Jay Huff, Pacers:

Remaining Contract: Two years, $5.7 million | 2026-27 cap hit: $2.7 million

Skinny: The fifth-year journeyman broke out in his only year with the Indiana Pacers. He appeared in all 82 games, averaging 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks across 21 minutes a night. His 3-point percentage (31.9) tapered off, but he’s largely been a stretch five for most of his career.

Though where he’s really blossomed is as a rim protector. The 7-foot-1 big man finished second behind only Victor Wembanyama, in blocks per 75 possessions (3.2), while finishing third in block percentage (7.6). For what it’s worth, Missi finished fourth.

Perhaps the Pacers want to hold onto Huff as Ivica Zubac’s backup. But if Miami can squeeze a deal together, Huff would be a great 15-20 minute-per-game option.

Honorable Mention: Thomas Sorber, Thunder

Remaining Contract: Three years, $17.9 million | 2026-27 cap hit: $4.9 million

Skinny: I know he hasn’t technically played a game yet after suffering a torn ACL last summer. But Sorber was the 8th on my 2025 NBA Draft big board (Jakucionis was 7th). It depends on the medicals; trading with Sam Presti would always make me nervous. But the former No. 15 overall pick is awesome, when healthy.

First and foremost, I’m a buyer in his shooting touch improving. He shot 16.2 percent from deep in his lone collegiate season at Georgetown, though he shot 72.4 percent from the free-throw line on 4.4 attempts. Moreover, Sorber’s an excellent shotblocker, has exceptional footwork, is a very good passer and has good touch within ~10 feet, even though he doesn’t have a ton of vertical pop.

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