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Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A new rumor offers the Miami Heat the possibility of signing a former one-time All-Star to improve a weak point guard situation heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Heat made the biggest move of the summer when they completed a long-rumored trade for Milwaukee Bucks icon legend Giannis Antetokounmpo. In the deal, they forked over a handful of valuable draft picks, one-time All-Star Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis.
Giving up four players in their rotation severely hurt Miami’s depth. So they have spent the rest of the offseason trying to round out the roster by adding veteran talent on team-friendly contracts. They improved their shooting by signing scoring journeymen Tim Hardaway Jr. and future Hall of Famer Klay Thompson. But they still have a weak point guard situation, with Davion Mitchell and Dru Smith as the only options.
However, an opportunity to add a rock-solid veteran could come soon. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, “D’Angelo Russell is the most likely vet to be cast aside by the Memphis Grizzlies” following the six-team trade they were a part of in July.
Why the Miami Heat should take a flier on D’Angelo Russell if he becomes available
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Nov 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard D’Angelo Russell (5) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
After 11 years in the NBA, the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft seems to be exiting his prime at only 30 years old. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t an impact player in the league. Yes, he has played with five different teams during his career, but if given minutes as part of a rotation, he can put up good numbers.
Following the Antetokounmpo trade, the Heat have two clear-cut scoring options in the two-time MVP and team great Bam Adebayo. Along with Hardaway Jr., Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins, Russell is a solid second-tier scoring option. But the NBA veteran also brings another good ball handler in the backcourt. Russell has averaged 5.6 assists per game in his career and peaked at 7.1 in 2021-22.
Miami can use more proven options. Russell makes sense, especially if he is willing to take a low-cost deal to be a key role player for a title contender.