OPINION: Should The Miami Heat Really Go After Zach LaVine?

The Miami Heat have been one of the more up-and-down teams to begin the 2026-27 regular season even after a high-powered offseason where the team added Giannis Antetokounmpo along with a bunch of other veterans. The team is slowly starting to put it together despite some early chemistry issues. When the Heat are struggling, there are always immediate trade candidates thrown into the rumor mill and the team is now reportedly monitoring a multitude of players to add to the roster.

Earlier this month, there were reports about Miami showing interest in Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. However, Dallas has made it clear they do not plan on moving Irving this season. So, Miami must pivot to Plan B if they were to target another player via trade and it seems they have their eyes on another veteran: Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine.

LaVine, 31, is one of those players who is seemingly always included in trade rumors and discussions. He was finally dealt to the Kings in 2025 after multiple years of rumors while with the Chicago Bulls. Now, the Kings are one of the lower-ranked teams in the Western Conference and have a now high-scoring guard in rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who has been one of the more exciting rookies in the NBA to begin the season.

LaVine is only under contract through this season. He suffered a season-ending tendon injury last February but came back for the start of this season and has been solid in his appearances. In 11 games this season, LaVine is averaging 22.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 50.3 percent from the field and a solid 38.3 percent from three-point range. He is certainly putting on a showcase for interested teams. LaVine is still an elite scorer and hasn't shown too many signs of slowing down despite getting older and suffering multiple injuries.

LaVine opted into a massive $48.9 million player option for this season before he is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. His sizable contract could prevent the Kings from finding a trade partner and may simply encourage the team to negotiate a buyout agreement rather than a trade. If that is the case, the Heat should jump at the opportunity come February if he is indeed bought out. However, at the moment, LaVine's contract is so big that it would force the Heat to part with multiple players just to take on half-a-season of a one-dimensional scorer.

If Pat Riley is adamant about moving on from Nikola Jovic and his contract and wants to center a package with him included, then go for it. Again, the contract of LaVine is so massive, however, that it may be best for Miami to play the waiting game to see if Sacramento eats some money and outright waives him around the deadline period later this season.