With the Miami Heat making the blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, as well as Bobby Portis Jr., the job is not done for the team as it prepares for an exciting 2026 season. Though it’s no doubt an exciting time for the Heat fanbase after making the Antetokounmpo trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, who else should the franchise look for to add to the new dynamic duo of the Greek Freak and Bam Adebayo?
There’s no denying that the main goal of this offseason for Miami was to add a superstar talent like Antetokounmpo, and worry about the rest later. Well, we’re now in the “later” part, as the team deals away Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis, leaving certain needs to be addressed.
Those needs could be either lateral moves or maybe Miami adding another star player. Here’s a look at some options:
Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant would fill a need for the Heat, while giving the team even more talent on top of making the deal for Antetokounmpo. While there is no denying how enticing a “Big 3” in Miami featuring Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, and Morant could be, there are a few worries.
He does carry two more seasons on his current contract, set to be owed just over $42 million, but with the contracts that could be offloaded in a potential deal and with the ones already dealt away for Antetokounmpo, the team could find a way to make it work. It’ll be a hassle, but the Heat will have to decide if it’s one worth figuring out.
The other worry is the availability issue, which has been a vocal priority for Pat Riley, who is looking at injury history. While the talent is undeniable, his presence on the court has been dim, playing in 20, 50, and nine games in the last three seasons, respectively.
Morant is searching for a fresh start, and his positive feelings about the Heat organization are well-known, but it’s up to Miami to see if it’ll be worth taking a chance on Morant, who could join along with Davion Mitchell in the point-guard unit. If they can get the money right, it’s worth taking a look.
LeBron James
In reality, this is a far-fetched idea, but getting Antetokounmpo could make LeBron James want to once again take his talents down to South Beach. With the immense amount of rumors surrounding James and whether he will return to the Los Angeles Lakers, or even come back to his home of Ohio and play for the Cleveland Cavaliers, an unlikely reunion with Miami could make the team more interesting.
Despite the baggage that was left at the end of James’ Heat tenure, that core still went to four straight NBA Finals, winning two titles in between.
As the Heat add Antetokounmpo to pair with Adebayo, adding a player like James, who could act as the point guard and still be a shot-creator, could go a long way for the team. Turning 42 years old in December, James won’t be needed in an ultra-high-usage role, but still enough to be a crucial part of Miami.
Whatever happens with the Lakers is still up in the air, whether he be a free agent or as a sign-and-trade, which could be iforJames, where the Heat could deal Andrew Wiggins, who has been linked to Los Angeles for some time. It’s a long shot, but if James truly feels Miami can contend, and with Antetokounmpo, that could be the case, then it could be something that the 41-year-old thinks about.
Other lateral moves the Heat could make after Giannis Antetokounmpo
If there is a trait that the Heat need to make after trading for Antetokounmpo, it’s adding some more shooting to the team, and while there is a chance that Norman Powell, set to be an unrestricted free agent, could re-sign, there are cheaper options. Adding some familiarity for Antetokounmpo, adding a veteran like Khris Middleton could add some depth and shooting to the team.
Other relatively cheaper options in free agency that Miami could consider when it comes to shooting are Luke Kennard, Gary Trent, and Gary Harris. If paired with Antetokounmpo, the Heat bolstering their shooting will be a must this offseason.
With Ware gone, the franchise will need to look into acquiring a functional backup big man, and though getting Portis helps in having another big body at power forward and center, adding more size wouldn’t hurt. Jusuf Nurkic, Robert Williams, and Andre Drummond are centers that are unrestricted free agents this summer, with more options out there through other avenues.
At any rate, the Heat have made a league-shifting move with Antetokounmpo, as now all eyes will be on them to see who else they add to the roster.
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