The Miami Heat made the NBA Finals last year but there are 10 trades that could take them over the top in 2024.
The Miami Heat, fresh off their 2023 NBA Finals appearance, where they fell short in five hard-fought games, find themselves at a crossroads in their quest for championship glory. Despite the postseason brilliance of Jimmy Butler and the unwavering commitment of the entire team, the Heat were ultimately outmatched by a formidable Denver Nuggets squad.
Now, as they aim to return to the grandest stage in basketball, the Heat’s front office faces the challenging task of engineering blockbuster trades that can reposition the team as a title contender. In this article, we’ll explore 10 tantalizing trade ideas that could reshape the Miami Heat’s roster and reignite their championship aspirations, setting the stage for a potentially game-changing season in 2023-24.
While each of these deals won’t be easy to complete by any means, trust remains in Pat Riley and Miami’s management team when it comes to taking risks and creating a dominant side in the Eastern Conference which is currently headlined by the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. Without further ado, here are the 10 blockbuster trade ideas for the Miami Heat.
Get Even Better Defensively With OG Anunoby
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OG Anunoby is one of the game’s best defenders and the Heat can create a suffocating Big Three on the defensive end in a shocking deal for the Toronto Raptors swingman.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Miami Heat made the Finals last year but need reinforcements to reach that new level. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are a dynamic duo but a player who can help on defense and also space the floor makes sense in the starting lineup. If Miami can acquire OG Anunoby and keep Tyler Herro, that is a great situation for them.
Anunoby led the NBA in steals per game last year (1.9) and is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. He can handle four positions in the modern NBA and that can help out Butler and Adebayo in that regard while giving Herro a chance to be consistent on offense. With Anunoby in the lineup, Miami becomes a suffocating defensive side.
Amazingly, the Heat have a chance to create a dynamic starting lineup with Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, OG Anunoby, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo with Caleb Martin stepping in and pushing Herro back to the bench as necessary.
Giving DeMar DeRozan A Chance To Make A Finals Appearance
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DeMar DeRozan is one of the best mid-range scorers in the NBA and a force in one-on-one situations. Miami can make a deal for him and create a stronger lineup in the East in this trade.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
DeMar DeRozan is a consistent offensive player but he can also do a job on defense thanks to his length and athleticism. DeRozan averaged 24.5 points per game last season on 50.4% shooting from the field and he can do the same with the Heat. The Chicago Bulls are rebuilding so getting a chance for two first-round picks and two players that can be further traded could be useful.
Nikola Jovic can also be a player to be part of the cornerstone of the franchise during the rebuild and he has shown the talent to be a consistent threat in the right situation. Chicago is not going to win with DeRozan on the roster and since the player is 34 years old, moving him for the right pieces makes a ton of sense and there might not be a better offer on the table than what Miami can offer.
DeRozan won’t improve Miami’s three-point shooting but Tyler Herro can make up for it. A lineup with Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, DeMar DeRozan, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo will push Miami to the top of the East as they begin to battle the Bucks and Celtics in the stacked East.
A Gamble For James Harden
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James Harden is available for a trade and the Miami Heat might need to take a massive gamble to try to create a Big Three. Big risk tends to lead to big rewards and Miami needs a chance to have a stronger offense.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin
James Harden does not fit into the Miami Heat culture, make no mistake about that. The guard is an incredibly talented player who can score and be a primary playmaker but he has baggage and his tendency to enjoy nightlife is concerning in a city like Miami. However, if there is a situation that can fix the player and get him more focused than ever, the Miami Heat franchise can possibly do it.
Pat Riley and management won’t accept poor behavior from any player, no matter how great he is, and Harden won’t be an exception. The guard can be the player he wants to be with the Heat in terms of carrying an offense and engaging in pick-and-rolls with a versatile center. Adebayo will be a force at catching lobs and Butler will gladly play that secondary role in offense but hold the leadership role overall.
With James Harden, the Heat can have an elite offense and still have a capable defense with Kyle Lowry stepping into the lineup as a backup. Duncan Robinson will likely be the starting shooting guard and that means there is a ton of offense that can be fielded as needed.
Younger, Faster, Better With Zach LaVine
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Zach LaVine is one of the best shooting guards in the NBA in terms of making outside shots or attacking the rim, and he will be a great fit with the Heat.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Heat, by adding Zach LaVine, would further bolster their offensive firepower, potentially forming a formidable trio alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. The Heat went hard after Damian Lillard this summer but failed as the star ended up with the Bucks. Instead of running it back, Miami can bring LaVine on board to carry the offense while Butler and Adebayo focus on defense and performing in the playoffs.
This deal is not only the best for the Bulls (who get younger with Herro) but also for the Heat who need to make a move to actually have a chance at winning the championship. LaVine shot 37.5% from three last year and will be able to carry an offense to relieve Butler in the playoffs for the first time.
A Big Three of Butler, Adebayo, and LaVine with Lowry playing point guard will be very difficult to handle on both ends of the court. The 28-year-old is only getting better and he belongs with a franchise built on leadership to boost his play.
A Massive Upgrade At The Point Guard Position
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The Miami Heat needed a playmaker and a point guard to create for them during last year’s playoffs, and Trae Young can be the solution to their problems. Here is what a package for the two-time All-Star would look like.
Trade Package
Miami Heat Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, Orlando Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Trae Young is a dynamic young point guard who has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in the NBA. An exceptional scorer and playmaker, Young can create shots for himself and his teammates, and he’s known for his deep three-point shooting and ability to break down defenses. This past season, Young averaged 26.2 points and 10.2 assists per game on 33.5% from three while just missing the All-Star Team.
His offensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s would provide a significant boost to the Heat’s scoring capabilities. At the same time, Young’s ability to distribute the ball and create scoring opportunities for others would complement the Heat’s offensive system. His court vision and passing ability would elevate the play of his teammates including that of Jimmy Butler who needed a player to give him the ball in the right spots.
Even if Young is not a great defensive player by any means, Miami’s problem last season was not defense and was in fact defense. The point guard can elevate Miami’s offense tremendously especially when he has Adebayo inside and the likes of Robinson on the perimeter. Considering the two-time All-Star is only 25 years old, he will also be the future franchise player which means the trade package is well worth it.
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Could it be possible for the Miami Heat to acquire Zion Williamson? The big man is frustrating New Orleans Pelicans fans with his constant injuries and inability to stay on the floor and the Heat can capitalize.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick
The trade that brings Zion Williamson to the Miami Heat is a game-changer for the team on multiple fronts. Firstly, Williamson serves as the missing link on offense that the Heat have long sought. His combination of explosiveness, scoring ability, and athleticism can elevate the team’s offensive prowess to a new level, helping them become a more formidable force in the Eastern Conference. Last season, Williamson averaged 26.0 points per game on 60.8% from the floor in 29 games.
The prospect of a twin-towers pairing with Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt is tantalizing. This duo would not only dominate the boards but also provide a daunting defensive presence, making it difficult for opponents to score in the paint. Furthermore, Miami has a reputation for player development, and this trade offers the perfect environment for Zion to maximize his potential.
The Heat’s strong coaching staff and commitment to player growth could help him become an even more complete player. Finally, the fact that Zion is only 23 years old means that the future of the Heat is in exceptionally good hands. With him leading the franchise, Miami can look forward to years of success and contention, making this trade a win-win situation for the Heat and their fans alike.
A Trade To Solidify Present And Future
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While the Miami Heat are going all-in in the 2023-24 season, they can compete now and also solidify their future with a major trade involving a Western Conference team.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick
The trade bringing Brandon Ingram to the Miami Heat is a strategic move that could significantly benefit the team. At 26 years old with one All-Star appearance, Ingram is a player on the verge of unlocking his full potential. What makes this trade particularly attractive for the Heat is Ingram’s potential for improvement. He can become a more well-rounded player, enhancing his defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, playmaking abilities, and outside shooting.
In the Heat’s culture, known for its emphasis on hard work and player development, Ingram could thrive and achieve these improvements, further elevating his game. His ability to carry an offense is a vital asset, ensuring the Heat maintain their identity as a competitive team while integrating an All-Star. Ingram’s versatility to play on and off the ball makes him an excellent fit alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, creating a dynamic trio that can challenge the top teams in the league.
This trade works for the Heat by not only adding an All-Star talent but also a player with the potential to grow and seamlessly integrate into Miami’s system. Erik Spoelstra can use his experienced coaching a player like LeBron James who is an elite playmaker and use it to build Ingram’s profile even more. With Ingram, Miami gets close to Milwaukee and Boston’s standing in terms of the best talent in the Eastern Conference.
More Shooting In A Modern Twin-Towers Pairing
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The Minnesota Timberwolves are going all-in with Anthony Edwards and clearing the roster and salary cap in that regard makes the most sense.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, 2027 First-Round Pick
The trade that brings Karl-Anthony Towns to the Miami Heat presents a compelling opportunity for the team. Towns is arguably the best shooter of all time as a center, boasting a remarkable career average of 39.5% from three-point range. This exceptional shooting ability is a game-changer, and pairing him with Bam Adebayo creates an intriguing frontcourt duo.
Together, they not only offer rim protection but also the ability to run the court and space the floor effectively. Towns’ capability off the ball aligns well with the Heat’s style of play. While Towns and Jimmy Butler did not find success as teammates in Minnesota, times have changed, and the Heat’s need for an elite scorer is apparent. Towns, at only 27 years old, still has room for growth, particularly on the defensive end and in his attitude toward winning and dominating the paint.
This trade could be transformative for the Heat, providing them with a unique offensive weapon and the potential to form a formidable frontcourt, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the league. The modern NBA is about shooting and with Towns, Miami gets that while also boosting their defensive potential in a blockbuster deal.
A New Superteam In South Beach
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Miami had a superteam between 2011 and 2014 with LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining Dwyane Wade, but they can have another one with Donovan Mitchell starting a new era.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, 2029 First-Round Pick
The trade that brings Donovan Mitchell to the Miami Heat offers a compelling and potentially transformative move for the team. Mitchell’s situation in Cleveland suggests he may not be inclined to re-sign, making a move to a big-market team with passionate fans and the bright lights of Miami an appealing proposition.
At just 27 years old, Mitchell’s career is still on an upward trajectory, as evidenced by his career-high average of 28.3 points per game last season. Miami can strategically fill the void left by not acquiring Damian Lillard by targeting Mitchell this summer. The prospect of a Big Three comprising Mitchell, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo places the Heat on the same level as championship contenders like the Bucks and Celtics, significantly enhancing their chances for a title.
Furthermore, this trade provides the Heat with a long-term franchise cornerstone alongside Adebayo, ensuring the team’s ability to re-tool and remain competitive even after Butler’s retirement. In sum, this deal not only bolsters Miami’s immediate championship aspirations but also secures its future as a top-tier franchise in the NBA.
A Blockbuster Swap For All-Star Centers
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Joel Embiid might be the next superstar to request a trade since his sidekick, James Harden, is completely destroying general manager Daryl Morey in public with more drama on the team. In what can be a blockbuster swap of starting centers, here is how the Heat can acquire two-time scoring champion Joel Embiid.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Bam Adebayo, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez, 2028 First-Round Pick
The notion of trading a cornerstone player like Bam Adebayo, along with a bundle of assets, for the towering force that is Joel Embiid is undoubtedly a seismic move that could redefine the Miami Heat’s trajectory. Finally, Miami would be able to go toe-to-toe with a player like Nikola Jokic and in some ways, have the advantage.
For one, Joel Embiid’s presence in the paint is a game-changer. His combination of size, s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁, and defensive prowess would immediately catapult the Heat’s interior defense to elite levels. Embiid’s shot-blocking ability, coupled with his tenacity on the boards, could grant the Heat an advantage in controlling the tempo of games, shutting down opponents’ driving lanes, and deterring shots at the rim.
At the same time, the center’s offensive arsenal is a spectacle to behold. His post moves, ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting, and finishing s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s make him a versatile threat in various offensive sets. Joel has just come off a season where he won his second-straight scoring title after averaging over 30 points per game again.
Embiid’s offensive game has grown tremendously and he is a go-to scorer with unstoppable ability when healthy. Embiid, Butler, and Herro will end up being enough to place the Heat on the same level as the Bucks and Celtics with a chance to make the Finals and win it all.
