The Miami Heat’s 0-2 start hasn’t stopped the speculation from spinning in a big way. After one of the busiest offseasons in the league, Miami already looks like a team willing to swing for more - and now there’s chatter that another major move could be on the table.
The Heat’s summer centerpiece was a blockbuster trade for NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the deal this way: “The Milwaukee Bucks are trading franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in Tuesday's NBA draft), one pick swap and one second-round pick, sources told ESPN. The Heat are sending to Milwaukee unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 along with No. 13, a pick swap in 2030 and a 2033 second-rounder, according to sources,”
But that may not be where Miami stops. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn floated the idea of the Heat going after Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, arguing the Mavericks could be pushed toward extracting future value where they can.
“He's 34 and his team's franchise player is 19. Timeline issues don't need to be deal-breakers, but the Mavericks don't control their own first-round pick again until 2031.
They have to find longer-term assets where they can, and Irving is their most desirable trade piece. The Heat are fairly asset-depleted, but would surely offer what they could,” Quinn wrote.
A move for Irving would give Miami another seasoned shot-creator to pair with Antetokounmpo, though any deal would hinge on Dallas being willing to move him and the Heat finding a package the Mavericks would accept.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also noted the tension around Dallas’ direction, writing, “Ujiri has made it clear that the franchise is committed to keeping Irving with Flagg, who is 15 years younger than the star point guard," ESPN's Brain Windhorst wrote."Rival front offices question whether Dallas can stick to that plan with roster holes elsewhere and the two stars on different career timelines.”
For Miami, the appeal is obvious: another proven veteran could deepen the rotation and add more options alongside Antetokounmpo. Davion Mitchell would still be in line to supply energy and playmaking with the second unit, but the Heat already have veterans in place and could keep chasing more experience if the right deal presents itself.
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