Heat Stand Pat at Deadline, Eye Bigger Moves This Summer
The Miami Heat had opportunities to make moves at the trade deadline - but none that matched their long-term vision. According to a source, Miami didn’t receive any first-round pick offers for Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell, or Tyler Herro. The front office reportedly had the option to flip Wiggins for a pair of second-rounders, but ultimately decided the return didn’t outweigh the value of keeping a proven veteran in the rotation.
That decision speaks to a broader strategy. The Heat weren’t looking to make a lateral move - they were swinging big.
Miami had eyes on a major prize: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat made a play for the Bucks superstar ahead of the deadline, but Milwaukee shut down the talks quickly.
No counteroffer. No negotiation.
Just a flat "no."
Still, Miami wasn’t bluffing. They only had two tradable first-round picks at the time, but they reportedly had a path to acquiring a third.
And they were ready to include that extra pick in their pitch for Giannis. Even then, it wasn’t enough to move the needle for the Bucks, who weren’t interested in parting with their franchise cornerstone - not at this stage.
What remains unclear is how exactly the Heat would’ve landed that third first-rounder without giving up one of the three veterans mentioned or another key asset from the Giannis package. But the willingness to go that far underscores how serious Miami was - and likely still is - about making a blockbuster move this summer.
Around the Southeast: Wagner Returns, Connaughton Signs in Charlotte
Orlando Gets a Boost from Franz Wagner’s Return
Franz Wagner made his long-awaited return for the Magic on Monday night, and he didn’t waste time making an impact. After missing nine straight games - and 25 of the last 27 - with a left ankle injury, Wagner came off the bench for the first time in his NBA career. On a strict minutes restriction, he still managed to put up 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, dished out five assists, and helped Orlando cruise to a 118-99 win over Milwaukee.
It was a promising step forward for the Magic, who have missed Wagner’s two-way presence on the wing. If he can stay healthy and ramp back up to full speed, Orlando’s playoff push just got a lot more interesting.
Charlotte Adds Depth with Connaughton and Two-Ways
The Hornets made a low-key move with potential upside, signing veteran wing Pat Connaughton to a two-year, minimum-salary deal. The contract includes a team option for next season, giving Charlotte flexibility. Connaughton will earn just over $1.3 million for the remainder of this season, with next year’s option worth nearly $3.8 million.
Connaughton brings playoff experience and a reliable three-point shot - two things this young Hornets squad could use as they continue to retool.
Charlotte also locked in forward Tosan Evbuomwan on a two-year two-way deal, joining PJ Hall as two-way players under contract through 2026-27. Antonio Reeves remains the only Hornets two-way player on a one-year deal.
What’s Next for Washington and Anthony Davis?
Yossi Gozlan offered some insight on the Wizards’ recent acquisition of Anthony Davis and what it might mean moving forward. The big question: will Washington commit to Davis long-term?
That likely depends on his health and performance over the rest of the season. Unless Davis is willing to take a discount on his next deal - which seems unlikely - the Wizards may be hesitant to offer an extension unless he proves he can stay on the floor and produce at a high level.
For now, Washington appears to be in evaluation mode. Davis is a high-upside piece, but the franchise won’t rush into a long-term commitment without seeing more.
The trade deadline came and went without fireworks in Miami, but don’t mistake that for inactivity. The Heat have their sights set on something much bigger - and this summer could be when the real action begins.