The Miami Heat tried to run it back with the underdog status this season but it did not work out. The Heat were defeated in the first round of the playoffs by their rivals, the Boston Celtics, and never really had a chance to win with Jimmy Butler missing the series. Even with Butler playing, the Heat need more help to become legitimate title contenders.
Embracing the underdog role should be a thing of the past, meaning they might need to move on from players such as Tyler Herro ($29,000,000), Terry Rozier ($24,924,126), and Duncan Robinson ($19,406,000) and use them in sign-and-trade deals to create a new Big Three with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
1. LeBron James
2023-24 Season Statistics: 25.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $45-$50 million, 2-year deal
LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion and former Heat legend, could become a free agent if he decides to decline his $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Miami Heat, where James won two of his championships in 2012 and 2013, is an intriguing potential destination. The key to this trade is utilizing Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and a 2029 first-round pick in a sign-and-trade.
Reuniting with head coach Erik Spoelstra and forming a formidable Big Three with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would make the Heat instant title contenders. This trio would combine elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess, creating a dynamic and versatile lineup. Additionally, James’ presence could greatly benefit young talents like Jaime Jaquez Jr., offering them a role model and a wealth of experience to learn from.
With James on board, the Heat’s chances of securing another NBA title would significantly increase, making his potential return a highly anticipated move in the 2024 offseason. Of course, we are still unaware of what James is looking for in free agency which could make this reunion nothing but a dream for Heat fans.
2. Pascal Siakam
2023-24 Season Statistics: $35-$40 million, 4-year deal
Possible Salary Range: 21.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
A versatile forward and former NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, Pascal Siakam might re-sign with the Indiana Pacers, but the Miami Heat could be an attractive destination for him in the 2024 offseason. The Heat might be willing to part with assets like Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, or Duncan Robinson to facilitate this acquisition. Adding Siakam to the roster would form a dominant Big Three with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, allowing Adebayo to shift to a small-ball center role where he has thrived.
Siakam’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor perfectly aligns with Miami’s two-way style of play. Despite Adebayo anchoring the frontcourt and leading the team to two Finals appearances, the addition of Siakam would provide the Heat with enhanced size, athleticism, and scoring depth. This combination would bolster Miami’s chances of contending for an NBA championship and solidify their frontcourt for the future.
3. Paul George
2023-24 Season Statistics: 22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $30-35 million, 3-year deal
Paul George, still a highly skilled two-way player and multiple-time All-Star, is widely expected to leave the Los Angeles Clippers. The Miami Heat would need to engage in a sign-and-trade to acquire George, but he could be the missing piece to elevate the team to championship contention. George can effectively play as a shooting guard, bringing elite defensive skills that fit seamlessly into Miami’s system.
Pairing George with Jimmy Butler would create an exciting and formidable two-way duo, complemented by Bam Adebayo, forming a trio of elite defenders. George’s ability to space the floor and create his own shot would make him a significant upgrade over Tyler Herro, providing the Heat with enhanced offensive versatility and firepower. His presence would not only boost Miami’s defensive capabilities but also improve their scoring options, making the Heat a more well-rounded and dangerous team in their pursuit of an NBA title.
4. DeMar DeRozan
2023-24 Season Statistics: 24.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $25-$28 million, 3-year deal
At 34 years old, DeMar DeRozan could be a valuable addition to the Miami Heat. His size and skill set allow him to play as a small-ball power forward or swingman, providing the Heat with flexibility in their lineup. DeRozan’s extensive playoff experience and knack for clutch shot-making make him a reliable option in critical moments.
Additionally, his consistent defensive effort aligns well with Miami’s defensive-oriented approach. As a player seeking a chance to compete for a championship, DeRozan might consider leaving the Chicago Bulls and could even take a discount to join a title-contending team like the Heat. His addition would enhance Miami’s offensive arsenal and provide veteran leadership, making the Heat a more formidable and balanced contender in the pursuit of another NBA title.
5. James Harden
2023-24 Season Statistics: 16.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 8.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $25-30 million, 2-year deal
James Harden, although no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was, remains an elite playmaker and capable scorer who can still average around 20 points per game. His exceptional playmaking skills would make him the best pure playmaker Jimmy Butler has played with since Ben Simmons in his prime with Philadelphia. While Harden might not be an ideal fit for Miami’s defensive system, his extensive playoff experience and offensive prowess could still make him a valuable asset under Erik Spoelstra’s coaching.
The Miami Heat struggled offensively, ranking 26th in points per game this season (110.1 PPG), and Harden’s ability to generate offense would provide a significant boost. Integrating Harden into the roster could enhance the team’s offensive efficiency and scoring capabilities, making the Heat a more well-rounded and potent contender in their quest for another championship.
6. D’Angelo Russell
2023-24 Season Statistics: 18.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $18-$20 million, 3-year deal
Potentially on his way out of the Los Angeles Lakers, D’Angelo Russell could find a new home with the Miami Heat, who have moved on from Kyle Lowry this season. Russell, a dynamic scorer and playmaker, would bring a fresh and youthful energy to Miami’s backcourt. His ability to create shots for himself and others, coupled with his proficiency in pick-and-roll situations, aligns well with the Heat’s offensive needs.
Russell’s versatility allows him to play both guard positions, providing flexibility in Miami’s lineups. Although not known for his defense, the Heat’s strong defensive culture could help improve this aspect of his game. Russell’s offensive skills would significantly bolster a Miami team that struggled to score, offering another reliable scoring option and enhancing their overall offensive efficiency.
7. Tobias Harris
2023-24 Season Statistics: 17.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $18-23 million, 3-year deal
Tobias Harris, often overlooked in Philadelphia, could be an excellent fit for the Miami Heat. As a two-way forward who can shoot threes and run the floor, Harris would seamlessly integrate into Miami’s style of play. If the Heat can move on from Duncan Robinson and possibly Terry Rozier, they could aim to retain Tyler Herro and add Harris to their roster. Harris, who averaged 17.2 points per game, brings reliable scoring and solid defensive skills.
As an excellent fourth option, he would complement the existing core of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Herro, providing additional scoring depth and versatility. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and contribute on both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset for a team aiming to contend for an NBA title without giving up too much.
8. Miles Bridges
2023-24 Season Statistics: 21.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $14-$18 million, 3-year deal
Miles Bridges could significantly bolster the Miami Heat’s frontcourt alongside Bam Adebayo. Known for his athleticism, Bridges excels at attacking the rim, running the floor, and playing solid defense. Joining the Heat could be an ideal environment for Bridges to develop further as a two-way player, benefiting from the team’s strong culture and coaching under Erik Spoelstra. At 26, Bridges is at a prime age for growth and could thrive with the leadership of Adebayo and Jimmy Butler.
This trio would provide Miami with an exciting blend of athleticism, defensive prowess, and offensive versatility. Bridges’ ability to contribute on both ends of the court would complement the Heat’s style of play and enhance their competitiveness, making them an even more formidable contender in the pursuit of an NBA championship.
9. Malik Monk
2023-24 Season Statistics: 15.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $15-17 million, 4-year deal
Malik Monk, who finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting this season, could be a crucial addition to the Miami Heat, addressing their need for scoring. The Heat, ranking 26th in points per game, have an elite defense but lack offensive firepower, especially when Jimmy Butler is injured. This often places too much pressure on Tyler Herro to carry the scoring load. Monk, at 26 years old, could be the missing piece off the bench, providing instant offense and an upgrade over Duncan Robinson.
Monk’s skill of scoring in bunches and creating his own shot would relieve some of the offensive burden on Herro and bolster Miami’s second unit. Monk’s youth and scoring prowess make him a valuable asset for the Heat, enhancing their offensive depth and making them a more well-rounded and dangerous team moving forward.
10. Jonas Valanciunas
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $12-15 million, 3-year deal
Jonas Valanciunas could provide frontcourt depth alongside Bam Adebayo. As an elite rebounder and scorer, Valanciunas would allow the Heat to deploy a twin-towers pairing with Adebayo or bring him off the bench for added depth. This duo could give Miami a formidable presence inside, particularly in rebounding and scoring around the basket.
Having Valanciunas would also give time for Nikola Jovic to develop his game and mature over time, ensuring Miami has a solid frontcourt rotation for the present and future. His addition would strengthen the Heat’s interior defense and scoring ability, making them a more balanced team overall.
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