The Miami Heat’s 0-4 start has already pushed the conversation beyond concern and into rescue mode, and one NBA expert has floated a name that would at least change the shape of the roster: Michael Porter Jr.
Sam Vecenie has suggested the Heat explore a deal for Porter, who is expected to be shopped ahead of this year’s NBA Trade Deadline. Vecenie also pointed out that Miami would have a tough time pulling it off because of its lack of trade assets, even while describing Porter as a near-perfect fit.
On paper, the fit is easy to see. Miami has struggled to generate perimeter scoring and has been one of the league’s worst 3-point shooting teams, two problems Porter could help address immediately.
Through the opening stretch of the season, Porter is averaging 23 points and seven rebounds per game while shooting 47 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range. He wouldn’t solve every issue for Miami, especially when it comes to playmaking, but he is the kind of scorer who can create his own shot when the offense bogs down. For a Heat team that has had trouble in the half-court, that kind of presence would go a long way.
That said, the appeal of the idea doesn’t make the math any easier. Miami would need to send out Nikola Jovic and Andrew Wiggins just to make the money work, and if that package were even enough to get the Nets’ attention, the Heat would likely need to add a major sweetener. With limited draft capital, that would be a real challenge.
The Giannis trade also makes any big deadline swing less likely for Miami, though not impossible. A multi-team deal could still open a door if the front office gets creative enough.
It’s a fascinating roster picture to imagine. Davion Mitchell, Pelle Larsson, Michael Porter Jr., Giannis, and Bam would look a whole lot more dangerous than what the Heat are running right now. But even if Vecenie is right that Miami should be looking at Porter, actually landing him feels like a long shot.
In Other News...
Tyler Herro Just Reopened A Heat Debate Fans Wanted Gone
Tyler Herros strong start in Milwaukee has done more than give his new team its first win of the season. It has also nudged an old Heat conversation back into view, especially as Miami stumbled to 0-4 out of the gate. Herro delivered a near triple-double in the Bucks breakthrough, and the timing has only sharpened the contrast for a fan base still sorting through what his departure meant.
Austin Herro added another layer by posting a cryptic message on social media that appeared aimed at Heat fans, which was enough to stir the pot on a sore subject. There has also been talk this offseason of a physical altercation between Tyler Herro and former teammate Bam Adebayo, while Adebayo has drawn criticism for his slow start. For Miami, it is one more reminder that the aftermath of the Herro chapter is still very much alive. [Read more 🡒]
Pelle Larsson May Have Given The Heat A Needed Bench Answer
Pelle Larssons latest outing gave Miami something it has been searching for off the bench: a reliable secondary creator who can keep the offense moving when the game starts to get sticky. In a recent Heat win, Larsson supplied 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists, and his ability to make plays without overcomplicating possessions helped the team find a better rhythm on offense.
Erik Spoelstra pointed to Larssons improved decision-making and versatility as a big reason Miami was able to lean more into pick-and-roll action and generate cleaner looks. For a team that just posted its highest scoring total of the season, that kind of bench production matters, and Larssons role now feels like one of the more interesting developments to watch as the Heat try to keep that offensive flow going. [Read more 🡒]
Heat Finally Showed A Look Miami Fans Have Been Waiting For
After a rough stretch, the Heat got a much-needed reset in Atlanta with a 129-117 win that stopped the skid and gave Miami something it had been missing for much of the early season: a cleaner, more connected offensive look. The ball moved better, the floor opened up more naturally, and the pick-and-roll finally looked like a reliable source of pressure rather than a possession-killer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo powered the effort with 24 points and 18 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo made his own mark by setting the franchises all-time career rebounding record. For a team that has spent so much time searching for rhythm, the bigger question now is whether this was a one-night fix or the start of something more sustainable as the schedule turns. [Read more 🡒]