The Miami Heat stayed relatively quiet during the 2024 offseason, especially after the previous year’s high-profile pursuit of Damian Lillard ended in disappointment. They didn’t make any blockbuster moves this time around, but with a strong foundation in place led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, there’s still potential to tweak the roster through trades. As the season progresses, the Heat could explore some realistic options to strengthen their core. At the same time, some more unrealistic names are floating around as potential targets, though those scenarios are less likely.
The Realistic Targets
Nikola Vucevic
Potential Trade Offer To The Bulls: Duncan Robinson, 2029 First-Round Pick
Nikola Vucevic is an intriguing and realistic trade target for the Miami Heat as they look to upgrade their frontcourt with a proven scorer. Vucevic, now 33, is stuck in a Chicago Bulls team that’s struggling to define its direction after a disappointing 2024 offseason that saw DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso depart. Vucevic remains one of the league’s most reliable big men, averaging 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists last season. His ability to stretch the floor, despite a slightly lower three-point percentage (29.4%), makes him a valuable offensive weapon that the Heat could pair with Bam Adebayo.
The proposed trade—Duncan Robinson and a 2029 first-round pick—works for both sides. Miami has been trying to find a way to move Robinson’s contract, and adding a veteran like Vucevic would give them a more dynamic and versatile lineup. For Chicago, offloading Vucevic opens up the chance to focus on rebuilding with younger assets, and they could benefit from Robinson’s shooting and a valuable future pick. The Bulls, who are not quite contending and not fully rebuilding, may decide it’s time to embrace a younger direction, making this move a viable option.
Vucevic’s fit in Miami is also worth noting. While his defensive limitations—mainly his slower footwork and lack of rim protection—are a concern, his offensive production could outweigh those issues. A pairing with Adebayo would allow the Heat to run more versatile lineups, giving Adebayo more freedom to focus on defense and playmaking while Vucevic handles scoring duties in the post and as a stretch big. Miami, who struggled to find consistent offensive production from their supporting cast in the 2024 playoffs, would benefit from Vucevic’s ability to create shots for himself and others.
This deal isn’t just about filling a need for Miami but about taking advantage of Chicago’s limbo status. The Bulls’ future is unclear, and trading Vucevic for assets like Robinson and a future pick could be a smart long-term play. Meanwhile, the Heat would be adding a proven scorer who could help push them deeper into the playoffs without sacrificing their core pieces. This makes Vucevic one of the more realistic targets for the Heat as they seek to make a move this season.
Trae Young
Proposed Trade Offer To The Hawks: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, 2029 First-Round Pick
Trae Young has been a name often mentioned in trade rumors, especially as the Atlanta Hawks find themselves in a transitional period. After moving Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans this offseason, there’s speculation that Young might be the next big name to depart from the Hawks. Though Young hasn’t officially requested a trade, rival executives believe Atlanta might explore the idea before his contract becomes even more expensive. Young has been clear about wanting to win in Atlanta, but after several underwhelming seasons, the Hawks may consider moving on from him if the right offer comes along.
In 2024, Trae Young continues to be one of the league’s elite offensive players, averaging 25.7 points, 10.8 assists, and shooting 37.3% from three during the 2023-24 season. While his defense has often been a point of criticism, his offensive capabilities could solve a lot of Miami’s issues. The Heat have consistently struggled to maintain a top-tier offense, ranking among the league’s worst over the past few seasons despite their elite defense. Adding Young’s playmaking and scoring would immediately elevate their offensive ceiling, something that’s been missing in Miami’s recent playoff runs.
The proposed trade—Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, and a 2029 first-round pick—makes sense for both teams. For Miami, it’s a bold move to add a player of Young’s caliber to complement Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. This would give them a true offensive focal point who can generate shots and break down defenses, taking pressure off Butler, especially during the playoffs. For Atlanta, it could mark the beginning of a retooling phase, giving them young assets like Herro and Jovic to build around, as well as valuable future picks. With the Hawks missing the playoffs last season and not projected to contend immediately, moving Young could help them accelerate a rebuild.
In the end, while the Heat would be taking on Young’s hefty contract, the potential upside of adding an All-Star point guard to their core makes this a realistic target worth pursuing.
Marcus Smart
Potential Trade Offer To The Grizzlies: Duncan Robinson, Josh Richardson, 2029 First-Round Pick
Marcus Smart’s first season with the Memphis Grizzlies was challenging, as injuries limited him to just 20 games. Still, Smart showed his value, averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals. Yet, with young players like Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson stepping up during his absence, there is growing speculation that the Grizzlies could consider moving Smart. The Grizzlies are looking to build for the future, and while Smart’s leadership and defensive prowess are undeniable, his offensive fit alongside Ja Morant has raised questions.
The Heat could see this as an opportunity to add an elite defender and former Defensive Player of the Year to their squad. Smart’s intensity and leadership would fit Miami’s culture perfectly, providing defensive stability and on-court toughness. Miami’s offer of Duncan Robinson, Josh Richardson, and a 2029 first-round pick gives Memphis a mix of shooting and future assets. Robinson’s shooting could stretch the floor for Morant, and Richardson would provide reliable veteran depth.
From Miami’s perspective, acquiring Smart would give them a versatile guard who can defend multiple positions and provide playmaking, which they’ve lacked since Kyle Lowry’s decline. It’s a realistic deal that strengthens both teams for their respective goals—Miami to contend now, and Memphis to retool around its younger core.
The Unrealistic Targets
Damian Lillard
Potential Trade Offer To The Bucks: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, 2029 First-Round Pick
Let’s be honest: a trade for Damian Lillard is more fantasy than reality at this point. After finally landing with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023 blockbuster move, Lillard has formed a superstar duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and together, they’ve instantly made the Bucks one of the favorites to win it all this season, after a first season of disappointment exiting in the first round. The idea that the Bucks would consider trading away Lillard, just one year into this partnership, is highly unrealistic. Milwaukee gave up plenty to bring him in, including Jrue Holiday, and have no reason to break this up anytime soon.
But let’s indulge in the hypothetical. If Miami wanted to reignite their pursuit of Lillard—something that was the talk of the 2023 offseason—the Heat would have to come up with a significant offer. A package centered around Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and a 2029 first-round pick might be Miami’s best bet. Herro would give Milwaukee a young and dynamic scorer who can stretch the floor, while Robinson’s elite shooting would complement Giannis well. The 2029 pick adds future value, but the Bucks would likely laugh at the idea of moving Lillard after finally landing the star guard they’ve coveted.
For the Heat, adding Lillard would instantly make them one of the top contenders in the East. Lillard’s ability to create his own shot, run the offense, and hit clutch threes would solve many of Miami’s offensive problems, especially late in games. Pairing Lillard with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would form a terrifying trio that could challenge any team in the league.
However, with Lillard’s focus now firmly on bringing a championship to Milwaukee, and the Bucks having no reason to shake things up, this trade idea is nothing more than a pipe dream.
Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Offer to the Bulls: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Josh Richardson, 2026 Second-Round Pick, 2028 Second-Round Pick
While Zach LaVine has been a consistent name in trade rumors over the past few years, trading for him in 2024 remains a long shot, especially for the Miami Heat. LaVine is coming off an injury-plagued 2023-24 season where he played just 25 games and underwent foot surgery in February. Though he’s fully healthy now and looked sharp during the preseason, the challenge lies in his massive contract. LaVine is in the second year of a five-year, $215 million deal, which makes him difficult to move without significant financial maneuvering.
The Heat, already burdened by salary cap constraints, would need to part ways with a combination of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Josh Richardson, and future draft picks just to match LaVine’s salary. Even then, it’s questionable whether this would appeal to the Bulls. Chicago has been trying to shop LaVine for over a year, but rival teams are hesitant to take on his contract without additional compensation from the Bulls, and Chicago has been reluctant to sweeten the deal.
From a basketball perspective, LaVine’s fit with Miami is tantalizing. His scoring prowess—averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in limited action last season—would be a huge offensive boost alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Still, his defensive limitations and hefty price tag make this trade more of a fantasy than a realistic move for the Heat at this point.
Kawhi Leonard
Potential Trade Offer to the Clippers: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Josh Richardson, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
A trade for Kawhi Leonard is more fantasy than reality for the Miami Heat at this point. Leonard, although one of the best two-way players in the league, is set to begin the 2024-25 season on the sidelines as he continues to recover from a knee procedure he underwent in the offseason. His health remains a major concern for the Los Angeles Clippers, especially after he missed part of the 2023-24 season and the entire 2024 playoffs due to knee inflammation.
During the 2023-24 regular season, Leonard was still effective when on the floor, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, shooting 52.5% from the field and an impressive 41.7% from three. The Clippers are unlikely to move on from their franchise star, especially after extending his contract, knowing of his injury troubles and with him being the only superstar left on the team.
Miami’s proposed trade package of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Josh Richardson, and two future first-round picks might help them secure Leonard’s services, but it’s unlikely to sway the Clippers. LA is still hopeful that Leonard can lead them to a deep playoff run, especially with Paul George no longer in the picture. The Heat would also be taking a massive risk, given Leonard’s persistent injury concerns and high salary.
While Leonard would bring elite scoring and defense to Miami, the injury concerns and the Clippers’ heavy investment in him make this a highly unrealistic trade scenario at this point in the season.
