With a deep draft class and a potential blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo looming, the Miami Heat face a franchise-altering decision at pick No. 13 to regain championship status.
Miami, FL. – The NBA revealed the lottery order for the 2026 draft on Sunday and the Miami Heat finished with the No. 13 pick. There were slim chances of the organization moving up, especially within the top four. Regardless, the incoming class is projected to be one of the deepest in league history, and even a low lottery pick can make a difference.
In the latest episode of the HeatWave Podcast, part of the Roundtable Sports Network, Heat beat writer Anthony Aguirre listed a few options that could fall to No. 13.
It started with Michigan Wolverines’ forward Yaxel Lendeborg. He was the team’s leading scorer in winning the National Championship. The 23-year-old averaged 15.1 points on 51.5 percent shooting, 37.2 percent from behind the arc, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks, playing in 40 games, including 39 blocks.
Lendeborg was a consensus All-American, the 2026 Big 10 Player of the Year, earned First Team All-Big 10 honors, and made the Big 10 All-Defensive Team. He started out playing JUCO at West Arizona for three seasons before transferring to UAB for two seasons, then ending a six-year collegiate career at Michigan.
The lottery prospect measured 6-8.75 feet tall barefoot, weighed 241.4 pounds, had a 7-3.25 feet wingspan, and a 9-0.5 feet standing reach at the NBA Combine. He will be 24 years old before the new season begins.
Lendeborg could be viewed as the most ready rookie in this class, much like the Heat drafted Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Other prospects Aguirre listed to keep an eye on are Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain, Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr, and Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon Jr. However, there is an alternative to having a lottery pick.
“The Heat getting this lottery pick can really make a difference,” Aguirre said. “Getting two lottery picks would be beneficial for the Milwaukee Bucks. If you trade Giannis [Antetokounmpo], you are essentially rebuilding. What does that require? Younger players. What’s better than getting one young lottery pick? Two young lottery picks.”
The draft is the deadline to figure out what’s next for the former Finals MVP superstar, according to Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam. The franchise is reportedly “open for business,” taking calls and listening to offers.
The Heat are in desperate need of a superstar, especially after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. A pivotal summer awaits the South Florida franchise.
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