Miami, FL. – As the NBA Finals approach, especially with the New York Knicks taking a 3-0 Eastern Conference Finals lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat are looking to return to title contention. Coming off an underwhelming 43-39 regular season, it’s clear that the current roster doesn’t have enough talent to compete.

Franchise President Pat Riley is expected to go “whale” hunting, delivering South Florida another superstar. The main target appears to be former Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, but given the Heat’s latest track record on the trade market, it’s best to add an insurance plan.

It was reported on Wednesday afternoon, May 20, that contenders are monitoring nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving’s situation. The 34-year-old missed all of last season, recovering from a left knee torn ACL injury. It was sustained on March 3, 2025, in a matchup against the Sacramento Kings. It was the first time Irving dealt with a significant injury throughout a 15-year career.

The championship-winning guard has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, originally joining forces with Luka Doncic. Together, they reached the 2024 NBA Finals, but fell short after five games to the Boston Celtics. Instead of building on the success, the Mavericks would take the lead by storm, trading Doncic in a blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for five-time All-NBA center Anthony Davis, along with other assets. Despite having several veteran pieces, the franchise is closer to a rebuild than contention.

As Irving is looking to return to the court for the 2026-27 season, a change of scenery could come into play. He’s essentially entering the final year of a three-year, $34.49 million contract, with a $42.42 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

Factoring in age and injury, the Heat could look to acquire Irving through a trade for cents on the dollar. They could offer former All-Star guard Tyler Herro and a conditional second-round pick to potentially get a deal done. Regardless of injuries, Irving is one of the most electrifying players and scorers in the league. He can facilitate, which would make a high-quality one-two punch alongside three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo.

The Heat were close to landing Irving through a trade before officially finding a new home with the Mavericks, following four years with the Brooklyn Nets. He has plenty of experience in competing at the highest level, still capable of contributing towards title contention. It’s something the Heat could entertain throughout the offseason.

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