The Miami Heat are putting together a strong season, but with the trade deadline inching closer, there’s a growing sense that Pat Riley and company might have some decisions to make-especially if they want to elevate from playoff threat to true title contender. A recent breakdown of 100 potential trade candidates ahead of February's deadline included three notable Heat names, each representing a different layer of Miami’s roster and long-term vision.
Tyler Herro: A Star in Limbo
Tyler Herro landed in the second tier of the list, under the category “Stars, Maybe Available?” And that about sums up where things stand with the former Sixth Man of the Year.
Herro has the scoring chops, the confidence, and the All-Star label. But the uncomfortable truth for Miami?
The team has found ways to thrive without him-most notably during their run to the 2023 NBA Finals, which he missed due to injury.
That’s not to say Herro isn’t valuable. He’s a gifted offensive player with a smooth shooting stroke and a knack for creating his own shot.
But his defensive limitations are well-known, and in a Heat culture that prides itself on grit and versatility, those gaps can stand out. Add in the fact that Miami didn’t extend him this past offseason, and the writing may be on the wall.
If the Heat go star-hunting before the deadline-and they usually do-Herro is likely the first name on the table.
Kel’el Ware: High Ceiling, Complicated Fit
Next up is rookie big man Kel’el Ware, who was slotted into the fourth tier, labeled “Only For Giannis.” That tells you two things: the Heat see him as a valuable asset, and they’re not parting with him unless it’s for a truly elite return.
Ware’s potential is obvious. He’s shown flashes of being a modern unicorn-size, mobility, shot-blocking, and a developing three-point shot.
But the fit in Miami’s frontcourt has been a bit clunky. With Bam Adebayo also expanding his range, the two bigs sometimes crowd each other’s space.
Ware might thrive more as a solo center, where he can operate freely and grow into his full potential.
There were already signs that Miami views Ware as a long-term piece-he was reportedly off-limits in last summer’s Kevin Durant talks. But if a megastar like Giannis Antetokounmpo actually became available, Ware would almost certainly be a centerpiece in any offer. He’s that kind of prospect: high-risk, high-reward, and still very much a work in progress.
Terry Rozier: A Complicated Contract Situation
The final Heat player to appear on the list is Terry Rozier, who finds himself in the seventh tier, dubbed “Matching Salary, Expiring Contracts.” And this one’s tricky.
Rozier’s current situation is clouded by off-court issues, and there’s uncertainty about whether he’s even eligible to be traded while on administrative leave. That said, there is precedent in the league-players in similar situations have been moved before, provided the acquiring team waives them immediately after the deal.
From a purely transactional standpoint, Rozier’s $26 million salary could be useful in matching contracts in a larger trade. If Miami can use that number to bring in a contributor and offload Rozier’s deal in the process, it’s a move that makes sense financially and competitively. But it’s a delicate situation, and one the Heat will have to navigate carefully.
What It All Means for Miami
The Heat are in a familiar spot-competitive, dangerous, and just a move or two away from potentially becoming a real problem in the East. Herro, Ware, and Rozier each represent different trade chips: one a proven scorer with playoff question marks, another a high-upside young big, and the third a salary figure that could grease the wheels of a bigger deal.
Pat Riley has never been shy about swinging big when the opportunity presents itself. Whether it’s a blockbuster for a superstar or a savvy move to tweak the rotation, Miami’s front office will be active. The only question is how bold they’re willing to be this time around.