The Miami Heat have a big offseason coming up. After getting bounced in the first round of the Play-In tournament, all eyes will be focusing on what Pat Riley does in what could be a make-or-break offseason. The Heat have struck out numerous times in terms of trying to land superstar-level talent. In 2023, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard was the big name floated around in trade rumors and the Heat were unable to acquire him before he was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks. Just last offseason, Kevin Durant and Miami reportedly had mutual interest but Riley was reluctant to part with the team's young talent in a potential deal.
There are a few expiring contracts coming off the books such as Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio. Terry Rozier was expected to be an expiring salary as well but the Heat cut ties with him before the season concluded earlier this month.
The big name who will decide the Heat's mentality this offseason is Andrew Wiggins, who has a $30 million player option. He is expected to exercise the option but even if he does, he could be an easy salary to use in a deal for a star-level player. Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick in 2014, has never been an unrestricted free agent at any point of his career. He has always been a solid, foundational player and now that he's viewed as a longtime veteran, those traits have become more reliable.
The first trade proposal that many would think off the bat is a potential deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami was reportedly close to getting a deal done with Milwaukee back in February at the trade deadline, but the Bucks decided to hold pat until the offseason. With a $30 million salary, he could be the main piece contract-wise in a trade. The Bucks are entering a rebuild after firing Doc Rivers and hiring Taylor Jenkins. Having a veteran like Wiggins on the roster, a player who has won a title and had different roles with both the Timberwolves and Warriors, could be valuable to help develop young talent.
The other option is, of course, simply keeping Wiggins on the roster for next season. If the Heat are struggling by the trade deadline point, he could be an easy candidate to be dealt or he could also be a reason for the team being successful next season. There are many questions surrounding his situation this offseason and we'll have a better idea come July.
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