The Miami Heat could be a potential trade suitor for LeBron James, given their salary flexibility, the promising young center Kel'el Ware, LeBron's history and success with the team, and the recruitment efforts of Heat legend Udonis Haslem.
Four teams are reportedly interested in trading for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers.
2-pointers this season
Miami Heat
NBA
However, a return to the Miami Heat could be another option for the 40-year-old NBA legend.
"I don't know if anyone's really mentioned it, but there's like a 'Heat reunion' trade that kinda actually makes some sense for both sides," Zach Lowe said on his latest podcast. "To be clear, I don't think they've talked about it, but if we're just spitballing."
"They have salary attached to decent players. They have a young, rim-running center that Luka can grow with in Kel'el Ware. And they are a place where LeBron has been and knows," Lowe added. "And there's a certain romanticism to that. Herro, plus LeBron, plus Bam, I think they can still aggregate."
Heat legend Udonis Haslem has already started the recruitment pitch, urging LeBron to return to Miami.
"That is not a championship roster right now with the Lakers," Haslem said. "I do know a place where he is welcomed, and he will always be welcomed. Just to put that out there."
LeBron spent four seasons with the Heat from 2010 to 2014, winning back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
Credit AFP – Scanpix
This summer, James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season with the Lakers.
Lowe still expects LeBron to stay in Los Angeles for now. The famous NBA analyst suggested that both sides should have a cooling-off period, but he is not closing any doors because this is a "strange situation."
The Lakers, meanwhile, were linked to the Heat this offseason with the Andrew Wiggins trade. However, this scenario appears to be off the table.
"They are not interested in Andrew Wiggins," said Dan Woike of The Athletic, who joined Lowe on the podcast. "I think I can put that to bed."
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