The Miami Heat are frequently associated with some of the biggest names in basketball, but in recent years, they have not always been able to execute such moves.
There were reports early this summer that Donovan Mitchell or Kevin Durant would be moving to South Beach. But the conjecture was immediately dispelled. Rather, the Heat did not move.
There have not been any notable roster changes other than Caleb Martin’s departure.
The Heat appear prepared to fight back and may think that staying healthy, rather than acquiring and losing players, is the solution to their issues.
However, if the proper time arises, one can never completely rule out the Heat trying to make a move. Would that need them to look through some of their previous assignments?
Damian Lillard was thought to be a lock to sign with the Heat before he ultimately joined the Milwaukee Bucks.
Unfortunately, Lillard’s first season with the Bucks ended in disappointment when they lost in the opening round of the playoffs. And would the Heat reevaluate the point guard’s availability if they had a poor start to the 24–25 campaign? Zach Lowe seemed to think that may happen.
“The move would be Dame,” he stated during an interview with the Bill Simmons Podcast. As I mentioned earlier, I am sure Miami would bring up the failed talks with Dame again. But what is it that I am receiving back that pleases Giannis? if that is what worries me.
You get Tyler Herro and whatever fictitious Dame trade return you want to conjecture about if he approaches me and says, “Hey dude, if I am here for the long haul, you need to recoup some draft picks.”
Miami would be better off going for Lillard once again in order to win right away.
With his 26–27 player option included, the 34-year-old is expected to earn over $170 million over the following three seasons.
Jimmy Butler, who turned 35 this past summer, may decide to forego his player option and become a free agency. Would the Heat be better off focusing on Bam Adebayo’s timeline instead? They do have a lot of young players who may reach their prime in the next few years. Alternatively, they decide to go all in and use Butler, Lillard, and Adebayo as the Big Three in an attempt to win a championship.
