The Miami Heat are at a crossroads. After being swept 4-0 by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, it’s clear that the post-Jimmy Butler era has left the franchise devoid of the superstar firepower needed to contend in the Eastern Conference.
Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have shown admirable growth. Meanwhile, young pieces like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Davion Mitchell, and Kel’el Ware have stepped up to the plate as reliable players for the future.
Midseason additions like Andrew Wiggins also helped the team retool in preparation for the playoffs. But this is Miami, and Pat Riley isn’t known to take a passive approach towards building a title-ready roster. The Heat president is prepared to build another superteam. However, this task is easier said than done.
With the Heat’s intentions in mind, we take a look at some of the most plausible blockbuster deals that could bring a superstar to South Beach. With an emphasis placed on acquiring a new superstar who can lead the team to the promised land, there are only a handful of names that fit the bill.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jovic, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the few players in the NBA who can single-handedly guide a team to the playoffs, and with the right pieces, even to the Finals. Unfortunately, the Bucks superstar has had a difficult patch of years with his franchise.
After Milwaukee came crashing out of the playoffs in the first round this season, it became abundantly clear that it was time for a change. In a shocking turn of events, the Bucks forward also made his intentions to leave known as he announced his willingness to explore trades.
While considering his ideal criteria for trade destinations, Miami looks like the most suitable place for the 30-year-old. The team’s mentality and culture almost mimics that of the Greek superstar.
Acquiring Antetokounmpo could prove to be a challenge, but it is one worth exploring. Although the Heat would see talented young players on the way out, they could potentially boast the best defensive frontcourt in the league by pairing Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo.
Kevin Durant
Proposed Trade Details:
Miami Heat Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2029 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick
Kevin Durant may be entering the final phase of his career. However, the Suns forward remains an elite scorer. Durant put up averages of 26.6 points per game on 52.7% FG. His ability to knock down shots could easily boost Miami’s offense.
Durant is currently one of the most talked-about players heading into the offseason. With only one year left on his contract, the Phoenix Suns have made it abundantly clear that they intend to trade Durant and structure their team with Devin Booker as the core piece. While this has been mutually agreed upon, pursuing Durant becomes a bit of a challenge because of his $54 million contract.
In this context, trading pieces like Wiggins helps the Heat clear up some space in the roster to bring in a superstar like Durant. Given his ability to individually revitalize the team’s offense, Miami is sure to benefit from it. In addition to this, he brings experience, championship pedigree, and clutch shot-making ability.
It is also worth noting that the 36-year-old is still capable of attracting star talent. With several worthy players emerging in the free agent market in the offseason, the Heat may be able to sign more players to bolster their overall lineup.
Joel Embiid
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Two First-Round Picks, One Second-Round Pick
Any deal involving Joel Embiid at this point in his career could be taken with a pinch of salt. However, should the 76ers remain healthy, the Miami Heat would undoubtedly be one of the best teams in the NBA.
When on the floor, Embiid is one of the most effective offensive players in the league. His ability to score from all levels sees him placed alongside some of the best in the league. When additionally factoring in his ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting, Miami could witness the birth of one of the most formidable backcourt star pairings in league history.
Embiid’s shortcomings on the defensive end can be covered up by a defensive stalwart such as Adebayo. With Herro running the offense, the big man is bound to feast on some easy looks as well.
The pairing works itself out on paper, and their ability to perform is only limited by imagination. However, too much hinges on Embiid’s motor and his ability to stay healthy for the entirety of a season. Given rising tensions between Embiid and the 76ers, the Heat could potentially make a play for the big man if they time things right.
Zion Williamson
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Kyle Anderson, 2025 First-Round Pick (via GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick
The acquisition of Zion Williamson is also a controversial one. As gifted of a player as he is, Williamson has often been criticized for his ability to lock in and stay healthy. However, if there is any place that can instill that sense of duty in a player, it is Erik Spoelstra’s Miami.
Miami could be the ideal destination for Williamson to rebrand himself into a superstar. On his day, Williamson is an absolute offensive weapon. Although he only played in 30 games this season, he recorded an average of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
The 24-year-old forward is young and ultra-talented. His ability to handle the ball, make plays, and be a threat within the paint makes him a nightmare for defenses to prepare for when paired with a sharpshooting guard like Tyler Herro.
Williamson’s arrival could reset the situation for the Miami Heat. With three star players all on the same timeline for contending for a title, the Heat could systematically begin ramping up offseason activities to build a roster around their new core.
With additional considerations for the fact that the Pelicans front office intend to trade their star forward in the offseason, the Heat could definitely make a run at acquiring him.
Ja Morant
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larsson, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick
An attempt to acquire Ja Morant via trade may prove to be a bit challenging. However, there is a valid basis for it.
Morant is coming off another failed campaign in the playoffs. While his team was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, there is a bit of a question mark on the team’s performance, as their star guard was sidelined with an injury.
Morant, when on the floor, is one of the most exciting players to watch. His incredible athletic ability lends itself to some flashy highlight plays, and his desire for the limelight sees him shine in the game’s toughest situations. In many ways, the 2x All-Star would be a perfect fit on the Miami Heat.
A backcourt duo featuring Herro and Morant makes for a troublesome combo for perimeter defenses. Morant’s ability to attack the paint only becomes more prominent with Herro drawing players to the three-point line.
The problematic part of Morant is something that can be managed in Miami. Given how stringent Pat Riley is, even with his star players, the guard would find himself in the ideal environment to curb his off-court antics.
However, it is abundantly clear that Morant is a talented player who can impact winning. Considering that he may be on the trade block and the fact that he is just 25 years old, it makes for an ideal fit next to Miami’s young core.
