7 Perfect Targets For The Miami Heat In 2025 Offseason

For years, the Miami Heat have thrived on toughness and star power, but in the 2024-25 season, they’ve hit rock bottom. A 10-game losing streak has exposed their roster flaws, showing how much they relied on an aging Jimmy Butler to lead them. Without him, Miami has looked disjointed on offense, inconsistent on defense, and a step behind the East’s elite teams with a putrid 29-41 record.

But with Bam Adebayo anchoring the paint (17.6 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 4.3 APG) and Tyler Herro providing scoring (23.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.6 APG), they’re only a piece away from getting back on track. The good news? Pat Riley doesn’t tolerate mediocrity, and changes are likely coming this summer.

Miami has tradable contracts, draft capital, and a strong front office that knows how to land impact players. In order to add to their strong core of players, the Heat will aggressively pursue upgrades. And with Erik Spoelstra still one of the best coaches in the game, any star who arrives in Miami will be stepping into a system built for success.

So who should be at the top of Miami’s wish list? We’ve identified seven ideal targets who could bring the Heat back to life. If the Heat land one of these names, don’t be surprised if they go from an afterthought to a playoff problem once again.

1. Kevin Durant

 

Potential Trade Details

Miami Heat Receive: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith, Jamie Jaquez, 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2030 First-Round Pick (MIA)

Kevin Durant to Miami would be an instant culture-shifting blockbuster. Even at 37, KD remains one of the league’s most lethal scorers, averaging 26.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this season, shooting 52.6% from the field and 41.6% from three. 

His ability to create offense at all three levels would be a godsend for a Miami team that has desperately lacked a go-to scorer outside of Tyler Herro. With Durant in the mix alongside Bam Adebayo and Herro, the Heat would have a Big Three capable of running through the East—as long as Durant stays healthy.

For Phoenix, this trade is all about getting younger and adding depth as they aim to rebuild around Devin Booker. The addition of Andrew Wiggins gives them a two-way wing who can complement Booker, while Haywood Highsmith and Jaime Jaquez Jr. provide defensive versatility and energy. 

Most importantly, two future first-round picks (2029, 2030) give Phoenix valuable trade assets to build around Booker and Bradley Beal. Kevin Durant's time with the Suns is obviously up, so this could be a move for both parties to look forward to.

For Miami, acquiring Durant comes with risk—his injury history is well-documented, and his contract would lock the Heat into an aging core for next season ($54,708,608 in 2025-26). But if Pat Riley has shown anything over the years, it's that he’s willing to gamble on star power to keep Miami relevant. 

2. Ja Morant

 

Potential Trade Details

Miami Heat Receive: Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, John Konchar

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Kel'el Ware, Pelle Larsson, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)

Ja Morant in a Miami Heat jersey? That would be box-office basketball and an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. Despite the drama that surrounded him in past seasons, Morant has returned and been electric in 2024-25, averaging 22.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 44.9% from the field. 

His elite speed, finishing ability, and playmaking would give Miami the dynamic point guard they haven’t had since peak Dwyane Wade. Pairing Morant with Herro would create a high-powered offensive backcourt, while Bam Adebayo would clean up any defensive gaps.

For Memphis, this trade would be about turning the page and rebuilding with a fresh core. The Grizzlies have looked strong but if they falter in the playoffs again this year, they might decide to reset around Jaren Jackson Jr. rather than continue the Morant experiment. 

Andrew Wiggins and Terry Rozier would bring veteran stability, while Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson add promising young talent to the mix. More importantly, getting a first-rounder from both Miami (2029) and Golden State (2025) could set up Memphis for future deals or draft acquisitions.

From Miami’s perspective, the upside is enormous—Ja would be a game-changer, giving them a superstar who can push the pace, create easy shots, and take over in clutch moments. The concern? Morant has already dealt with off-court distractions and Miami could be a tough place to stay focused. But if there’s any franchise that could get the best out of him, it’s Heat Culture.

3. Trae Young

 

Potential Trade Details

Miami Heat Receive: Trae Young

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson (Sign-and-Trade), Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2030 First-Round Pick (MIA)

Trae Young’s ability to orchestrate an offense and stretch the floor would give Miami an entirely new identity. Despite Atlanta’s struggles this season and rumors about his future, Young has continued to put up elite numbers—averaging 24.1 points and 11.4 assists per game while shooting 32.8% from three on high volume. 

His ability to command double teams and create for teammates would take significant playmaking pressure off Tyler Herro while also maximizing Bam Adebayo’s offensive potential. In Miami, Young wouldn’t have to carry the entire offensive load like in Atlanta—he’d thrive as a dynamic facilitator while still being a go-to scorer in crunch time.

For the Hawks, this deal signifies a full-scale reset after an underwhelming season where they already moved De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Andrew Wiggins gives them a two-way wing who fits well next to Jalen Johnson, while Duncan Robinson (via sign-and-trade) keeps their offense potent from deep (38.5% 3-PT FG). 

Jaime Jaquez Jr. brings much-needed toughness and defensive versatility—a major need for Atlanta moving forward. Plus, adding two future first-round picks (2029, 2030) gives the Hawks major flexibility, either to build through the draft or as assets in future trades.

His size (6'1") and limited defensive impact don’t exactly fit the gritty, defensive-minded identity of Heat Culture. However, Spoelstra has worked wonders with undersized guards before, and if Young buys into Miami’s system, he could finally be in a winning environment that maximizes his offensive brilliance.

4. Domantas Sabonis

 

Potential Trade Details

Miami Heat Receive: Domantas Sabonis

Sacramento Kings Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Nikola Jovic, 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2030 First-Round Pick (MIA)

Domantas Sabonis might not have the flash of a Durant or Morant trade, but his fit in Miami would be seamless. One of the best passing big men in the league, Sabonis is averaging 19.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, making him a perfect frontcourt partner for Bam Adebayo. 

With Sabonis facilitating from the high post, Miami’s offense would instantly become more fluid, opening up easier looks for shooters and cutters. His rebounding presence would also solve one of Miami’s biggest weaknesses this season, as they currently rank near the bottom of the league in second-chance points.

For Sacramento, this trade would be a tough but necessary decision. While Sabonis has been a core piece of their playoff runs, the Kings may realize they’ve hit their ceiling with their current roster since they had to trade De'Aaron Fox before the trade deadline. 

Andrew Wiggins brings playoff experience and perimeter defense, while Kyle Anderson and Nikola Jovic add versatility in the frontcourt. More importantly, the two future first-round picks (2029, 2030) give Sacramento valuable long-term assets, allowing them to build around Keegan Murray in a different way.

For Miami, this trade would give them one of the most unique frontcourts in the league, with two elite passing big men in Sabonis and Bam. The combination of Sabonis’ rebounding and Bam’s versatility could turn the Heat into a dangerous playoff team.

5. Lauri Markkanen

 

Potential Trade Details

Miami Heat Receive: Lauri Markkanen

Utah Jazz Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Nikola Jovic, 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2030 First-Round Pick (MIA)

Lauri Markkanen’s ability to score at all three levels while maintaining elite efficiency makes him a dream target for Miami. Currently averaging 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game on 42.3% shooting from the field and 34.6% from three, Markkanen would be the perfect high-volume, low-maintenance scorer Miami desperately needs. 

His length (7'0") allows him to shoot over defenders, and his off-ball movement would thrive in Spoelstra’s system, creating better spacing for Adebayo and Herro. For Utah, this trade is all about rebuilding for the future. 

The Jazz have been stuck at the bottom of the West this season (16-55), and while Markkanen is a fantastic player, he may not fit their long-term timeline. Andrew Wiggins provides a solid veteran presence, while Nikola Jovic adds a young, high-upside forward to develop. More importantly, Utah lands two first-round picks (2029, 2030)—a crucial piece for their future.

For Miami, Markkanen’s offensive versatility would immediately boost their chances of returning to contention. He’s a player who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, which makes him an ideal fit next to Bam and Herro. The question would be if the Heat want to commit $46,394,100, $46,113,154, and $49,824,681 to Markkanen over the next three seasons. 

6. Julius Randle

 

Potential Trade Details

Miami Heat Receive: Julius Randle (Sign-and-Trade)

Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Duncan Robinson (Sign-and-Trade), Nikola Jovic, Kel’el Ware, 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2030 First-Round Pick (MIA)

Julius Randle may not be the Heat’s first choice, but he’d bring an undeniable toughness and offensive punch to the roster. With a $30,935,520 player option for next season, Randle has been putting up strong numbers—averaging 18.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. The Heat would have to acquire him in a sign-and-trade deal. 

His ability to create his own shot and bully defenders in the paint would give Miami a much-needed secondary scoring option behind Tyler Herro. Plus, Randle’s playoff experience would help in high-pressure situations, something the Heat have lacked this season without Jimmy Butler. 

For Minnesota, this trade gives them shooting and youth in return for a veteran who might not fit their bill after Naz Reid's likely upcoming extension. Duncan Robinson (via sign-and-trade) adds much-needed floor spacing, while Nikola Jovic and Kel’el Ware give them two intriguing young prospects to pair with Anthony Edwards. With two first-round picks (2029, 2030) also coming in, this move helps the Wolves balance their roster and add future assets while keeping their core intact. 

For Miami, the risk with Randle is his inconsistency. Some nights, he looks like an All-Star; other nights, he forces bad shots and struggles with efficiency. However, under Spoelstra’s guidance, Randle could thrive in a more structured system. 

7. Marcus Smart

 

Potential Trade Details

Miami Heat Receive: Marcus Smart

Washington Wizards Receive: Duncan Robinson (Sign-and-Trade), Kel’el Ware, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW)

If the Heat want to double down on defensive toughness and leadership, Marcus Smart is their guy since he will make $21,586,856 next season before free agency hits. Despite being on a struggling Wizards team after not getting enough chances with the Grizzlies, Smart has still been a defensive menace, averaging 1.1 steals per game while guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player nightly. 

His championship pedigree and intensity would fit seamlessly into Heat Culture, giving Miami a vocal leader and instant defensive identity. He wouldn’t solve Miami’s offensive issues, but his ability to set the tone defensively and provide playmaking makes him a valuable addition.

For Washington, this move is about long-term flexibility. The Wizards aren’t competing anytime soon, so turning Smart into a future first-round pick (2029), Duncan Robinson (sign-and-trade for shooting), and young prospect Kel’el Ware would be a smart decision for their rebuild.

For Miami, Smart would bring accountability, toughness, and leadership—three things they’ve lacked during their current losing streak. He wouldn’t be the star-level move that transforms the Heat into contenders, but he’d make them significantly harder to beat in the playoffs.