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 haven’t 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?
The Heat were considered favorites to land Damian Lillard before he ended up joining 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 seems to view that as a possibility. He said while speaking on the Bill Simmons Podcast: “The move would be Dame. I’ve said before, I’ll bet you Miami would revisit that, the failed Dame talks. But what am I getting back that makes Giannis happy? If that is my concern. If he comes to me and says, ‘Hey man, if I am here for the long haul, you need to recoup some draft picks’, you get Tyler Herro, whatever fake Dame trade return you want to speculate about.” Going for Lillard again would be a win-now move on the part of Miami. He is 34 years old, and is set to make north of $170 million over the next three seasons, including his 26-27 player option.
Jimmy Butler just turned 35 and might opt out of his player option to become a free agent next summer. Would it make more sense for the Heat to concentrate on Bam Adebayo’s timeline instead? They do have a number of young talents who could start peaking a few years down the line. Or, they choose to go all in and try to win a Championship with a Big Three of Butler, Lillard and Adebayo.
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