The Miami Heat's expectations for the trade deadline are all over the place. There is a scenario where the team embraces a selling mentality and parts with multiple players whose contracts are set to expire or they could add a player or two for a potential playoff push. With their current No. 7 standing in the Eastern Conference, either scenario could play out.
CBS Sports released an article, acting as a guide for the potential buying teams at the trade deadline. The Heat are among those teams.
"Miami ducked the tax before the season by trading Haywood Highsmith," the article wrote. "The more pertinent issue here is Miami's future cap space ambitions. If Andrew Wiggins declines his player option after the season, the Heat are looking at around $30 million in space this summer. If not, they'd have pathways to much more in 2027. Given Miami's history of free agency recruiting, the Heat will likely be careful not to risk that space unless they can get a difference-maker."
The Heat have the assets to use in a potential franchise-changing deal. With multiple All-Stars on the trade block, they could part with a plethora of the team's young talent.
"The Heat owe their 2027 first-round pick to Charlotte," the article added. "This makes trading picks in 2026 or 2028 impossible because of the Stepien Rule. That means the Heat can currently offer two first-rounders (2029 and 2031) along with three swaps (2028, 2030 and 2032). There's a fair bit of young talent here as well. Kel'El Ware is the prize of that group with the tools to one day be an All-Star, but Jaime Jaquez, Nikola Jovic, Kasparas Jakucionis and Pelle Larsson should all draw some measure of interest." Like the Raptors, it's talent first and foremost. The Heat do not have an obvious All-Star-caliber player this season with Bam Adebayo having a down year on offense. They need a centerpiece. Like the Knicks, they're waiting on Giannis clarity. Unlike the Knicks, they could be a bit more open-minded about any other stars that become available. Ideally, that talent would be able to pressure the rim somewhat consistently. The Heat have struggled to finish all season as they've mostly eschewed ball-screens on offense."
The Heat have been rumored to add so many different stars over the years but this may actually be the time to strike and make a big swing. With their above .500 record, they have the opportunity to improve their standing this year and potentially make a deep playoff run in a depleted Eastern Conference.
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