The Miami Heat have not been able to replace the success they had in the 2022-23 NBA season when they made the NBA Finals. They were a first-round exit last year, mainly due to Jimmy Butler’s unfortunate injury, but return next season with the same core. There are doubts about the team’s ability to overcome the underdog status and return to the NBA Finals and might need to look at the field for one of the five best targets for them in the offseason. With the right player coming on board, the Heat have a chance to be title contenders in the 2024-25 NBA season.
1. Brandon Ingram
Potential Trade Offer For Brandon Ingram: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Haywood Highsmith
Acquiring Brandon Ingram would give the Miami Heat a versatile scorer who can slot seamlessly alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. In the 2023-24 season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range. His offensive arsenal includes a smooth mid-range game, the ability to score in isolation, and a knack for creating shots for his teammates. Ingram’s length (6’8″ with a 7’3″ wingspan) also adds defensive versatility, allowing him to guard multiple positions, which fits Miami’s switch-heavy defensive scheme.
Trading for Ingram would require parting ways with Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Haywood Highsmith. While Herro is a young scorer and playmaker, Ingram represents an upgrade in terms of size and versatility. The Heat also sacrifice some future upside in Jaquez Jr., but the chance to acquire an All-Star-caliber player in his prime may outweigh this concern. Ingram is a more proven scorer who could help alleviate the offensive burden on Butler, especially in clutch situations.
From New Orleans’ perspective, acquiring Herro provides them with a sharpshooter who averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in 2023-24, shooting 39.6% from deep. Herro could be a better fit next to Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, offering spacing and additional shot creation. The addition of the second-year Jaquez Jr. and Highsmith gives the Pelicans young, cost-effective pieces to build around as they continue to solidify their rotation.
2. Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Offer For Zach LaVine: Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, 2027 Second-Round Pick (MIA)
Zach LaVine would bring a dynamic offensive presence to the Miami Heat. In the 2023-24 season, LaVine averaged 19.5 points per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range in a down year. Even if there are doubts that the shooting guard can return to All-Star status for the first time since 2021-22, LaVine would add another dimension to Miami’s offense, especially in transition and as a secondary ball-handler. His ability to create his own shot and hit three-pointers off the dribble could help open up the floor for Butler and Adebayo.
The trade would involve sending Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, and a future second-round pick to the Bulls. While Robinson has been a valuable shooter, his defensive limitations have reduced his effectiveness in Erik Spoelstra’s system. Rozier, meanwhile, is a solid scorer but doesn’t have LaVine’s explosiveness or consistency. Acquiring LaVine, who can play both shooting guard and small forward, would provide Miami with a younger, more dynamic offensive weapon who can operate both on and off the ball.
For the Bulls, this deal would give them additional depth and flexibility. Rozier, who averaged 19.8 points and 5.6 assists per game in 2023-24, could fill in as a starter or sixth man while providing some scoring punch. Duncan Robinson, who shot 39.5% from three last season, offers floor spacing that could benefit the development of young players like Josh Giddey, Patrick Williams, and Coby White. The 2027 second-round pick adds a future asset that can be valuable for potential trade opportunities or drafting a hidden gem.
3. Julius Randle
Potential Trade Offer For Julius Randle: Tyler Herro, 2027 Second-Round Pick (MIA), 2031 Second-Round Pick (MIA)
A bonafide All-Star, Julius Randle would provide the Heat with a rugged forward who can score, rebound, and facilitate from the power forward position. Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, bringing a well-rounded game to the table. He would complement Adebayo well, allowing Bam to focus more on his defensive and playmaking duties. Randle’s ability to score in the post and stretch the floor wouldn’t affect Miami’s spacing either.
The trade for Randle would see the Heat sending Tyler Herro and two future second-round picks to the Knicks. While Herro’s shooting and playmaking are assets, Miami’s need for a versatile frontcourt player might outweigh the loss of backcourt scoring. Randle’s physicality and experience could help Miami contend with the bigger frontlines in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, his presence would add a new dimension to Miami’s pick-and-roll offense and bolster their rebounding efforts.
For the Knicks, moving Randle would allow them to pivot toward building around Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges more effectively. Herro, as a 24-year-old guard who averaged 18.4 points and shot 39.7% from three in 2023-24, could fit nicely into their lineup, providing a young scorer with room to grow. The added draft picks would give the Knicks more flexibility to make additional moves, but the pace and space of their lineup would make the team the most exciting in the NBA.
4. Kyle Kuzma
Potential Trade Offer For Kyle Kuzma: Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, Thomas Bryant, 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
The 29-year-old Kyle Kuzma could be a solid addition to the Miami Heat as a versatile forward who can score, rebound, and defend multiple positions. Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. He can also space the floor enough, which would help the Heat space the floor around Butler and Adebayo. Kuzma’s ability to create his own shot and finish plays as a secondary scorer would relieve some of the pressure off Miami’s primary stars.
The trade package for Kuzma involves Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, Thomas Bryant, and a 2029 first-round pick going to the Wizards. Robinson, while a proven shooter, has become a bit redundant in Miami’s system due to defensive concerns. Jovic and Bryant represent young players who could benefit from a more significant developmental role in Washington. The inclusion of a future first-round pick provides the Wizards with a valuable asset to help with their rebuild.
For the Wizards, this deal would focus on acquiring assets for the future while giving some of their younger talents more room to grow. Jovic, a promising young forward, could get more minutes and develop his game further. Bryant, who had a solid 2023-24 season with limited minutes, could provide depth in the frontcourt. The 2029 first-round pick could be a key asset for Washington as they look to reshape their roster moving forward.
5. Anfernee Simons
Potential Trade Offer For Anfernee Simons: Terry Rozier, 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Anfernee Simons would inject some youthful energy and scoring punch into the Heat’s backcourt. In the 2023-24 season, Simons averaged 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 43.0% from the field and 38.5% from three. His ability to score from all three levels and create off the dribble would give Miami another playmaker alongside Butler and Adebayo. Simons’ presence could also provide an excellent offensive spark, especially in lineups where the Heat need more shooting and spacing.
The proposed trade would send Terry Rozier, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick to the Blazers. Rozier, who is slightly older, doesn’t offer the same upside or shooting efficiency as Simons, making this deal a strategic play for Miami’s future. Simons’ ability to play both guard positions and his rapid development make him a highly attractive target, especially for a team looking to maximize its window with Butler.
For Portland, this trade provides future assets while maintaining competitiveness in the short term. Rozier can offer stability at either guard position, and his experience can help mentor their younger players. The future first-round pick is another building block that could be valuable either in future drafts or as part of a larger deal down the line as the Blazers continue to rebuild and retool around their emerging core.
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