Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are quickly approaching a crossroads. On one hand, they could look to acquire a genuine superstar to help lead a championship push. On the other hand, they have some exciting young talent that could lead to the franchise entering a rebuilding phase.
Part of being a rebuilding team is clearing the salary sheet, allowing for flexibility in free agency and on the trade market. With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has proposed a deal that would give the Heat another young talent and help them clear some long-term salary.
Buckley’s trade idea looks like this:
Heat Get: Tobias Harris, Ron Holland II, a 2026 first-round pick (lottery-protected), a 2030 first-round pick and a 2031 first-round pick swap (top-three protected
Detroit Pistons Get:Tyler Herro and Nikola Jovic
“With both Herro and Jović due for extensions this summer, Miami could face increasing financial pressure,” Buckley wrote. “…Holland, the No. 5 pick of the 2024 draft, would personify another dart throw. He’s a long way away from stardom, but his motor would make him a perfect fit for Miami’s culture, while his athleticism, downhill scoring and defensive versatility all point to significant upside.”
A move like the one Buckley is proposing would represent a significant change of direction for Miami. Erik Spoelstra’s team has always been competitive. Furthermore, the Heat have opted for retooling rather than rebuilding since Pat Riley has been overseeing things in the front office.
Heat Unlikely to Trade Nikola Jovic
Recently, Nikola Jovic has been included in multiple trade ideas. However, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat refused to include Jovic in their trade package for Kevin Durant.
“Per source with direct knowledge, Heat was willing to offer Wiggins, Rozier, Highsmith, Jaquez and 20th pick in June’s draft for Durant & Cody Martin,” Jackson reported via X. “Per Shams, Suns wanted Jaquez, Jović, Highsmith, 20th pick and a pick swap (as well as Wiggins/Rozier inclusion). SO…Jovic and Kasparas J. need to work out for justify the decision, which was a difficult one for Heat to reach.”
If Riley wasn’t interested in including Jovic in a deal for Durant, it’s hard to envision him putting him in a deal like the one above. Instead, Jovic could find himself sticking around with the Heat for years to come, especially if he begins to showcase some of his undoubted potential.
Heat Could Target Russell Westbrook
A more logical move the Heat could make before the start of training camp is extending an offer to Russell Westbrook. The former MVP is currently an unrestricted free agent. There is reportedly no interest in his services at present.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes the Heat should explore the opportunity of bringing him to the Kaseya Center.
“The Miami Heat’s point guard rotation is largely populated by combo or shooting guards,” Bailey wrote. “Right now, it looks like Tyler Herro could be the starter at the 1…Having a real, veteran point guard on the roster could stabilize a second unit that figures to include lots of younger talents like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović and Davion Mitchell.”
Westbrook would help plug the gap in the Heat’s guard rotation. He would also come at a reasonable price point, with a veteran minimum deal likely. There can be little doubt over the impact Westbrook could make in Miami. However, as things stand, there doesn’t appear to be any interest from Riley’s side.