The Miami Heat have long taken pleasure in their endurance, but even Heat Culture has limits. After a rough 2024-25 season in which Jimmy Butler was forced to leave during an unpleasant and public standoff, Miami barely made the playoffs and is now down 0-2 against a hungry Cleveland Cavaliers club.
Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have worked tirelessly to maintain the franchise’s edge, but the truth is unavoidable: the Heat require additional firepower if they are to remain competitive in a difficult Eastern Conference where the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks will not go away.
The next step is evident. Miami must be bold this summer and construct a new Big Three to give Herro, Bam, and Erik Spoelstra a realistic chance of reclaiming the franchise’s identity.
Pat Riley’s front office must work hard if it is to achieve true star power. These four potential trade situations could be just what’s needed to rekindle Miami’s championship spirit.
1. Kevin Durant proposed trade details.
Miami Heat Receives Kevin Durant
The Phoenix Suns acquired Kel’el Ware, Terry Rozier, and Duncan Robinson through a sign-and-trade. First-Round Picks: 2025 (GSW) and 2031 (MIA).
The Miami Heat’s culture expects success, and few players in NBA history exemplify the bucket-getter more than Kevin Durant. Even at 36 years old, KD is still a top-15 player, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2
This season, he has assisted on a blazing 52.7% shooting.
However, the Phoenix Suns’ superteam experiment has failed badly, and with their cap sheet in disarray and depth non-existent, they may be forced to pivot. Adding promising center Kel’el Ware, who shone as a rookie with 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, as well as several draft picks, could entice Phoenix to retool.
Durant is an almost perfect fit for the Miami Heat. Placing him alongside Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro would instantly restore the Heat’s status as a legitimate contender. Durant’s shooting and shot creation would alleviate a lot of burden on Herro, while Bam’s defensive versatility would help hide KD’s occasional defensive blunders.
Most significantly, Durant’s playoff experience and ability to dominate half-court situations would help the Heat’s late-game offense, which has struggled throughout the season. Replacing Jimmy Butler with Kevin Durant isn’t always the worst option.
2. Ja Morant: Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat receive Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, and John Konchar.
Memphis Grizzlies Receive Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Kel’el Ware, and Pelle Larsson. First-round picks for 2025 (GSW) and 2029 (MIA).
The Grizzlies face a summer of painful questions, the most pressing of which being Ja Morant’s future. Morant showed moments of greatness (23.2 PPG, 7.3 APG, 4.1 RPG), but he also struggled with consistency due to injuries and a late-season coaching change. Memphis narrowly made the playoffs and is facing a swift first-round exit, trailing 0-3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With their young core in intact with Ja’s off-court (and even on-court) issues still lurking, it’s probable they’ll try to reset, and Miami would be silly not to take advantage.
Undoubtedly, Ja in a Heat uniform would be spectacular. His ability to attack the rim, push the tempo, and create looks would give Miami a dimension it hasn’t had since Dwyane Wade’s prime.
More significantly, Miami’s locker room culture, imposed by Bam Adebayo, Erik Spoelstra, and the front office, could be the stabilizing element Ja requires to prosper. Adding Brandon Clarke (a dynamic, athletic big) to the deal strengthens a tight frontcourt rotation.
Of course, betting on Morant requires taking risk. His health and decisions have raised red flags. However, if Miami can handle those things, and they are one of the few clubs capable of doing so, they might end up with a 25-year-old franchise point guard for the next decade. That’s a risk worth taking.
3. Zion Williamson.
Proposed Trade Details:
Miami Heat Receives Zion Williamson.
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Kyle Anderson First-round picks for 2025 (GSW) and 2029 (MIA).
Zion Williamson is one of the NBA’s biggest what-ifs, but when healthy, he’s unstoppable. In 2024-25, Zion reminded everyone why he was a wonder, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 56.7% shooting.
Despite his performance, the Pelicans’ disjointed roster and Zion’s persisting health worries have the team considering a major overhaul. Miami’s offer of Andrew Wiggins (a veteran wing who can still defend and shoot), Nikola Jovic (a young big with potential), and draft capital could pique New Orleans’ interest.
For the Heat, Zion represents pure potential. Miami sorely needs a third offensive engine, and Zion’s brute force, touch around the rim, and improved playmaking would immediately establish him as the ideal inside presence alongside Bam and Herro.
But, like with any Zion debate, the danger is evident given that he only appeared in 30 games this season. However, for a franchise that is only one piece away from becoming a long-term contender, the Heat may have to swallow the bullet.
4) Trae Young
Proposed Trade Details:
Trae Young is acquired by the Miami Heat.
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. First-Round Picks: 2025 (GSW) and 2031 (MIA).
Trae Young appears to be nearing the end of his time in Atlanta. After another strong individual season that ended in another missed playoff opportunity (24.2 PPG, 11.6 APG but inefficient shooting and dubious leadership), the Hawks appear to be ready to pass the keys over to Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels and rebuild around youth.
Miami could step in and offer a package centered on Wiggins, Terry Rozier, promising prospect Jaime Jaquez Jr., and two top draft picks to construct a superstar backcourt alongside Herro and Bam.
Trae would immediately address Miami’s main weakness: consistent half-court offense. A Herro-Trae-Bam three would be undersized defensively, but offensively they could be dangerous, especially with Spoelstra pulling the strings and designing systems to maximize spacing and quick-hitting moves.
There are issues, of course. Trae’s defense remains a concern, and he has a tendency to stop the ball when things get tight. If Riley’s goal is to maximize the next three to four years, adding one of the NBA’s top playmakers may be worthwhile despite the potential issues.
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