The 2026 NBA offseason has kicked off with a bang, headlined by blockbuster moves involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball. The Miami Heat made waves by securing Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, yet surprisingly, they aren't being pegged as a top-tier contender just yet.
The Heat's roster still has significant gaps, and with limited cap space, they're eyeing trades to bring in the missing pieces. Enter LeBron James, who has been linked to a potential reunion with the Heat.
While signing him as a free agent poses challenges, a trade could be in the cards, as outlined by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus in a proposed three-team deal.
Proposed Trade Details
- Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Walker Kessler, $6 million trade exception (Jake LaRavia)
- Utah Jazz Receive: Deandre Ayton, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick (LAL), 2033 first-round pick (LAL)
The Heat's New Big 3
The Heat are on the verge of recreating the magic of their 2010 Big 3 era with James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. This time, the trio could feature James, Antetokounmpo, and Bam Adebayo. While it may not have the same historic impact as the original, it certainly packs a punch.
What the Heat need post-Antetokounmpo trade is a playmaker. Even at 41, James proved last season he's still got it, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. His ability to orchestrate an offense remains elite, making him a perfect fit alongside Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, who provide defensive prowess to complement James' playmaking skills.
In this scenario, James would join the Heat via a sign-and-trade, signing a three-year, $63 million deal. To sweeten the deal, the Heat would also bring in Bronny James, using the Haywood Highsmith trade exception, while taking on Ben Mbeng’s non-guaranteed contract.
The timing of this trade, set for July 6 after the NBA's moratorium, is crucial as it would allow the Heat to retain Norman Powell, who was expected to exit following the Antetokounmpo acquisition. With Antetokounmpo, James, Adebayo, and Powell, the Heat could boast a formidable core.
Lakers Fill Key Needs
The Lakers, after wrapping up their 2025-26 season, identified a need for true lob threats at center and two-way defensive wings. This trade delivers on both fronts.
Walker Kessler, despite playing only five games last season due to injury, showed promise with averages of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. His defensive capabilities make him an ideal fit alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Andrew Wiggins, another key piece, averaged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 41.4% from three. His defensive skills and shooting make him a seamless addition to the Lakers' lineup. This trade scenario could be a dream come true for the Lakers.
Jazz Rebuild Draft Capital
The Jazz made a splash earlier by acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., sacrificing three first-round picks in the process. This trade helps them replenish their draft assets, with the second Lakers' pick potentially becoming highly valuable by 2033.
While ideally, the Jazz would retain Kessler, who declined a five-year, $140 million offer, they avoid a hefty commitment by trading him. Deandre Ayton steps in as a solid, cost-effective replacement, averaging 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. The Jazz also gain role players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and Dalton Knecht, but the draft picks are the real prize here.
Who Might Object?
The Jazz could be the party most likely to balk at this deal. While two first-round picks are fair compensation for Kessler, the Jazz would also be absorbing Vanderbilt’s unfavorable contract.
They might demand more value, considering the limited impact of the players involved. Knecht's stock has plummeted, LaRavia is solid but unspectacular, and Ayton’s performance has been inconsistent.
Vanderbilt’s offensive limitations further complicate his value, giving the Jazz a valid reason to seek additional compensation.
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The Jazz also chose not to tender qualifying offers to two-way players Elijah Harkless and Oscar Tshiebwe, clearing both to become unrestricted free agents. Harkless, in particular, still fits the kind of depth piece Utah has valued, so a reunion would not be a surprise if the right opening appears later in free agency, but for now the more pressing question remains how the Kessler situation settles and what kind of market develops around him. [Read more 🡒]
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Cody Williams is the name that stands out most in that crowd. He has already logged more NBA experience than many of the other expected participants, which makes his Summer League involvement a little more interesting than usual, and there is even a possibility he could surface at both stops. Alongside names like Blake Hinson, Tamar Bates, Hayden Gray, Bez Mbeng, Jaxon Kohler and Micah Handlogten, Williams gives the Jazz another young player to watch closely as these games begin to shape the summer conversation. [Read more 🡒]