Roman Sorkin, Heat
Getty
Maccabi' Israeli forward Roman Sorkin (R) fights for the ball with Monaco's US center Donta Hall during the Euroleague quarter final basketball match between AS Monaco and Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023.
With the NBA offseason winding down, the Miami Heat are exploring international options to bolster a frontcourt that could use additional depth.
Israeli forward-center Roman Sorkin has emerged as a potential addition after turning heads at the 2025 EuroBasket.
SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the Heat, along with the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers, are interested in bringing Sorkin, 29, from Maccabi Tel Aviv to the NBA.
“After a strong showing in EuroBasket with the Israeli National Team, Maccabi Tel Aviv PF/C Roman Sorkin has garnered interest from POR, NYK and MIA per league sources. Sorkin, under contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv, was one of the top bigs in the Euroleague last season,” Begley wrote on X.
Sorkin opened the tournament with a 31-point outing against Iceland. He averaged 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 51.4% from the field and 31.8% from three for Israel, which reached the Round of 16. In Israel’s elimination loss to Greece, he posted 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks, holding his own against Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In Euroleague play last season with Maccabi, Sorkin averaged 12.9 points and 4.1 rebounds. A two-time Israeli league champion, Sorkin was named the regular-season and Finals MVP in 2024, cementing his status as one of Europe’s top big men. He went undrafted in 2018 after four years at Oregon.
Spo’s Eurotrip
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra traveled to Europe this summer to watch Heat players Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larson compete. Jovic, representing Serbia, averaged 12.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, highlighted by an 18-point performance in the opening game against Estonia and 20 points in Serbia’s Round of 16 loss to Finland.
Larson, playing for Sweden, averaged 18.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Heat guard scored 15 points in Sweden’s Round of 16 loss to Turkey. Spoelstra’s firsthand evaluations could influence how the Heat integrate Sorkin and their other young talents into the rotation.
Adebayo Seeks Frontcourt Partner
Last year, Bam Adebayo expressed a desire to play alongside a versatile big man, following his experience in “double-dig” lineups with Anthony Davis during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Adebayo’s preference for a complementary frontcourt partner could make Sorkin an ideal fit, providing scoring, spacing, and defensive versatility alongside Miami’s centerpiece.
The Heat’s frontcourt features Adebayo, second-year center Kal’el Ware, and Jovic. While Adebayo remains the centerpiece, Miami is thin behind him, particularly if injuries strike. Sorkin could provide a versatile, floor-spacing big man who can contribute immediately in both the paint and on the perimeter.
Miami currently has limited salary cap flexibility, but could use a veteran minimum deal to add Sorkin, offering the team insurance behind its core rotation players.
Standing 6-foot-10, Sorkin is a skilled frontcourt player with experience in high-level international competition.
Other NBA Interest
Sorkin’s emergence comes as the Knicks and Trail Blazers also explore options for frontcourt depth. The Knicks’ pursuit of Ben Simmons fizzled this offseason, and Portland’s bigs include Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, Duop Reath, and 16th overall pick Yang Hansen, creating a crowded rotation.
The Heat, meanwhile, have a clearer path to playing time for a newcomer, particularly if they seek a complementary piece for Adebayo.
As the Heat finalize their roster for the 2025-26 season, Sorkin represents a low-risk option with potential upside. His addition could provide insurance behind Adebayo, contribute to Miami’s versatility, and bolster the team’s depth for a run at another Eastern Conference title.