The Miami Heat have a good mix of young players and veterans on their roster. However, with multiple contracts set to potentially come off the books, the Heat may need to replace with young talent through the NBA draft.
Bleacher Report released their latest two-round mock draft. In their projection, the Heat hold the No. 18 pick and select Baylor wing Tounde Yessoufou. The 19-year-old's pro comparison is Washington Wizards forward Cam Whitmore, a young star who spent the last two seasons buried in the Houston Rockets rotation before being traded to Washington this past offseason.
"NBA teams will all buy Tounde Yessoufou's strength, athleticism and motor for picking up easy baskets, defending and hustle plays," the article wrote. "He hasn't shot well from outside, and the early attempts at self-creation have exposed his lack of polish as a scorer and decision-maker. Yessoufou's physical traits and mentality point to a high floor. He will have to show progress with his handle and shotmaking to sell NBA teams on a high ceiling."
The Beninese wing has helped the Bears to an impressive 9-2 record before Big 12 conference play begins. Yessoufou was ranked as the ninth-highest recruit in ESPN's 2025 rankings. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range.
The Heat have three big expiring contracts along with a player option. Terry Rozier, Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio are all impending free agents. Rozier's situation with his investigation into alleged gambling makes it likely he never takes the court again and his $26 million salary will be off the books. The Heat could use that money to acquire a star in free agency. Powell has been the Heat's strongest scorer this season and will be 32 years old by the offseason. The Heat could opt to let him walk in free agency due to his age, opening up a spot for a wing. Also, Andrew Wiggins will be looking at a $30 million player option this offseason. It is expected he will opt into the contract but if he leaves, there is a massive void left at the wing position.
Yessoufou may be the perfect addition to the Heat unit if both or one of Powell and Wiggins leave this offseason. Miami has shown their ability to draft the wing position well with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic. Yessoufou could be the next added to the list.