The Miami Heat continue to be linked with a trade for a new forward. Pat Riley missed out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. Therefore, the Heat are expected to cast a wide net in search of a new addition to Erik Spoelstra’s roster.
Jonathan Kuminga has been one of the more heavily linked players to begin the offseason. In a July 3 article, ClutchPoint’s Garrett Kerman proposed a trade package that could land the former lottery pick in Miami. The proposed trade looks like this:
Miami Heat Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kyle Anderson, Haywood Highsmith, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
“This deal gives Golden State a proven shooter in Robinson, an expiring contract in Highsmith, and valuable draft capital,” Kerman wrote. “For Miami, it’s a bold swing for a player who could be a franchise cornerstone. The Heat may need to include additional second-rounders or a young player like Jovic to sweeten the pot, depending on market competition.”
Kuminga is the type of young talent the Heat should be targeting. Re-tooling the roster with veteran talents is a short-term solution. Kuminga has genuine All-Star upside and could become a key member of the franchise’s future. Furthermore, Miami already has Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware as high-quality prospects. Kuminga would ensure there’s a budding young core to build around moving forward.
Heat Could Target Jonathan Kuminga
If Miami doesn’t believe that Kuminga is an attainable target, the front office could turn its attention toward DeMar DeRozan. The mid-range savant is reportedly available for trade this summer.
In a July 4 Bleacher Report article, Zach Buckley named the Heat as a potential destination for the veteran forward.
“DeRozan won’t hold the widest appeal, as he’s about to turn 36 and never added an outside shot to his arsenal,” Buckley wrote. “However, win-now shoppers seeking more half-court creation and scoring won’t find many better alternatives…Landing spot: Miami Heat.”
In 77 games for the Sacramento Kings this season, DeRozan averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He shot 47.7% from the field and 32.8% from deep. Therefore, he could help bridge the scoring gap created by Jimmy Butler‘s departure.
John Collins Could be Another Target for Heat
If the Heat aren’t sold on adding DeRozan or Kuminga, John Collins of the Utah Jazz could be a strong alternative. Collins would provide perimeter shooting, athleticism and rebounding.
At 27 years old, he’s young enough to build around, while old enough to slot into the rotation next to Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
In the July 2 edition of “The Stein Line Newsletter,” NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that the Heat could consider Collins as a potential target this summer.
“The Miami Heat are an oft-mentioned potential Kuminga suitor and do have a clear need on the wing between All-Star guard Tyler Herro and All-Defensive Team big man Bam Adebayo,” Fischer wrote. “The Heat have also been linked to Kings scoring guard DeMar DeRozan by various league sources and likewise mentioned as a potential destination for Utah’s very available John Collins.”
It’s clear Riley and the Heat’s front office have multiple options this summer. Nevertheless, Miami needs a new forward after losing Butler at the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Still, it will be interesting to see which direction the team chooses to take in the coming weeks. Because if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Riley won’t sit on his hands for too long.
