The Heat Didn’t Move at the Deadline - But the Buyout Market Offers a Second Chance
The Miami Heat stood pat at the trade deadline, the only team in the Eastern Conference not to make a single move. But don’t mistake that for waving the white flag. Sitting at 27-26 and clinging to the eighth seed, Miami is very much in the thick of the playoff race - and they know a Play-In berth isn’t good enough.
The Heat believe they can climb the standings and lock in a true playoff spot. The challenge?
Consistency. This team has struggled to string wins together, and that inconsistency is threatening to derail their postseason hopes.
With the trade window closed, the buyout market becomes the new battleground - and there are some intriguing names out there who could help Miami make a push.
Let’s break down a few buyout candidates who could make sense for the Heat, starting with a scorer who could bring some much-needed firepower to South Beach.
Cam Thomas, SG - Instant Offense Off the Bench
Cam Thomas is the kind of player who can change a game in a hurry. Averaging 15.6 points per game, he’s a walking bucket - and now, he’s surprisingly available on the buyout market after being waived by Brooklyn. That move turned heads across the league, and Miami should absolutely be in the mix.
With Tyler Herro sidelined, the Heat need someone who can create his own shot and light it up in a hurry. Thomas fits that mold.
He’s fearless with the ball in his hands and has the kind of scoring instincts that can swing momentum. Sure, his defense leaves something to be desired, but Miami’s defensive system is strong enough to cover for that - especially if Thomas is coming off the bench in a scoring role.
If Miami wants to avoid the Play-In and make a real playoff push, adding a dynamic scorer like Thomas could be the spark they need.
Pat Connaughton, SG - Defensive Grit and Floor Spacing
Recently waived by the Hornets, Pat Connaughton brings a different kind of value. He’s not going to score 20 a night, but he plays hard-nosed defense and knows how to space the floor. This season, he’s shooting 40% from deep - a number that would be a welcome addition to a Heat team that sometimes struggles to generate offense in the half court.
Connaughton’s versatility on the wing, combined with his playoff experience from his time in Milwaukee, makes him a solid depth piece. He’s not flashy, but he fits the Heat culture: tough, smart, and willing to do the dirty work.
Lonzo Ball, PG - A Perimeter Defender with Playmaking Vision
Lonzo Ball’s career has been derailed by injuries, but when he’s on the floor, he still brings elite defensive instincts and high-level playmaking. The Cavaliers let him go after reshuffling their backcourt, and now he’s looking for a new opportunity.
For Miami, Ball would be a defensive asset - particularly on the perimeter, where his length and IQ can disrupt opposing guards. Offensively, he’s limited, especially given the time he’s missed, but he doesn’t need to be a primary scorer. If he can stay healthy and give the Heat 15-20 solid minutes of defense and ball movement, he could be a sneaky good addition.
Chris Boucher, F - Frontcourt Depth with Two-Way Potential
If the Heat are looking to bolster their frontcourt rotation - especially if rookie Kel’el Ware continues to struggle - Chris Boucher could be an answer. He’s a stretch big who can knock down the occasional three, protect the rim, and bring energy off the bench.
Boucher’s role would be simple: spell Bam Adebayo, hold down the paint, and provide some offensive versatility. He’s not a game-changer, but he’s the kind of player who can stabilize a second unit and help the Heat avoid drop-offs when the starters sit.
Khris Middleton, SF - Veteran Presence with Playoff Pedigree
Khris Middleton hasn’t officially hit the buyout market yet, but if the Mavericks decide to part ways with the 34-year-old forward, Miami should absolutely pick up the phone.
He’s not the All-Star he once was, but Middleton still has value - especially for a team with playoff aspirations. He’s a steady two-way player who can score in the midrange, knock down open threes, and defend multiple positions.
More importantly, he’s been through the wars. That kind of experience matters in the postseason.
If the Heat can land Middleton, even in a limited role, it could pay off big when the games start to really matter.
The Bottom Line
The trade deadline came and went without a move from the Heat, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing still. The buyout market offers a second chance to add talent, and there are real options out there - from scorers like Cam Thomas to defensive stoppers like Lonzo Ball and Pat Connaughton.
Miami’s path to the playoffs is still in front of them, but they’ll need to find the right pieces to get there. The margin for error is thin, and with the East tightening up, every move matters. The buyout market might not offer stars, but it could hold the key to keeping the Heat out of the Play-In and into the real dance.