The Miami Heat had another underwhelming season, getting swept 4-0 in the first round. Instead of aggressively pursuing another superstar, the team has chosen to stay patient with its young core as it works to build back into championship contention.
Despite being in the superstar trade sweepstakes for forward Kevin Durant, the Heat missed out after refusing to part with their developing talent to acquire the aging future Hall of Famer, avoiding the risk of depleting their roster for a short championship window.
Although star guard Tyler Herro will undergo foot surgery and miss the start of the season, the Heat made key moves this offseason. Once Herro returns, they’ll look to continue building around a core of Bam Adebayo, Herro, Nikola Jović and Kasparas Jakucionis, along with the addition of elite scorer Norman Powell in a stunning three-team trade.
On top of building on their young core, the Heat made some under-the-radar moves, including the trade for powell in which they go younger as forward Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson were attached in the deal. In the draft the Heat selected one of the better playmakers with the No. 20 pick, Kasparas Jakucionis.
Bleacher Report recently listed the top GM grades for how they performed and managaded throughout the offseason based on continuity, offseason additions and draft grade. The Heat got listed at a 3.4 on a 4.0-based GPA scale.
Miami got a B+ on offseason additions, although they didn’t overacheieve fot a superstar, Powell is on eof the most efficient scorers in he league and could act in a veteran role on the team.
“The Miami Heat didn't do anything dramatic this offseason,” Bleacher Report wrote. “But Norman Powell should absolutely help an offense that struggled in 2024-25. Simone Fontecchio can contribute on the same front, though he doesn't have the same track record as a shooter as Duncan Robinson. Those subtle moves aside, Miami is taking a wise and patient approach to a roster led by Bam Adebayo and a young(ish) core that includes Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson and now Kasparas Jakucionis.”
“With the 20th pick in the draft,” the article added. “Miami took a 6'6" playmaker in Jakucionis who'll certainly need some time adjusting to NBA defenses (he averaged 3.7 turnovers in college) but has a solid feel for creating from the middle of the floor.”