The Miami Heat stood pat at the trade deadline, but don’t mistake that for inactivity. With a full offseason ahead and a war chest of assets - including young talent and draft picks - the Heat are shaping up to be major players in what could be a chaotic summer across the NBA.
Let’s start with the big name everyone’s watching: Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Milwaukee Bucks superstar becomes available, Miami’s going to be in the mix.
But pulling off a deal for a player of that caliber won’t come cheap. And if the Heat strike out on Giannis, they’re not out of options - not by a long shot.
One name to keep an eye on? Donovan Mitchell.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard has been a cornerstone in Cleveland since arriving, consistently delivering as a go-to scorer and offensive engine. But the situation is starting to get complicated. If the Cavs falter early in the playoffs - and especially now that they’ve added James Harden, a move that raises as many questions as it answers - Mitchell’s future could come into question.
He’s eligible for an extension this summer, but if he decides to hold off, Cleveland will be forced to think long and hard about trading him rather than risking losing him for nothing in 2027 free agency. That’s the kind of leverage that could push the Cavs into making a move sooner than they’d like.
Enter Miami.
The Heat have long been in the market for a dynamic backcourt presence to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Mitchell fits that mold perfectly - a proven scorer who can take over games and create offense in ways the current roster has struggled to do consistently. If he becomes available, Miami has the pieces to make a compelling offer.
A potential trade package would likely start with Tyler Herro, who remains a valuable asset despite injuries, and rookie big man Kel’el Ware, whose upside has intrigued scouts across the league. Throw in multiple first-round picks, and you’re looking at a serious offer.
The financial side of things also lines up. Herro’s $30 million-plus salary would help match contracts, and with Terry Rozier and Norman Powell’s deals set to expire in the near future, Miami would have the flexibility to extend Mitchell if things go well. That’s a big “if,” of course - Mitchell could still walk in 2027 - but the Heat have never been shy about betting on their culture to win players over.
While the Heat’s front office, led by Pat Riley, will no doubt keep their eyes on Antetokounmpo, Mitchell represents a more attainable - and still highly impactful - target. He’s the kind of player who can shift the balance in the Eastern Conference, especially on a team that’s struggled to find consistent shot creation outside of Butler.
Bottom line: Miami has options. Whether it’s swinging big for Giannis, pivoting to Mitchell, or exploring other trade possibilities, the Heat are positioned to make noise this offseason. And after a quiet deadline, they might just be gearing up for something big.