The Miami Heat are expected to be active this offseason when it comes to player movement. The team will have multiple contracts coming off the books with Terry Rozier, Simone Fontecchio and potentially Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins.
Bleacher Report released an article, naming three free agency targets for every NBA team. The targets were split into three categories: dream target, optimistic target and realistic target. The Heat's dream target is actually Powell, who is set to hit unrestricted free agency when the offseason begins.
"The Heat are forever whale watching - and surely paying close attention to the latest uncomfortable moments between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee - but adding an external elite means either trading for one or waiting until they have more to spend in 2027," the article wrote. "For now, then, it'd be best to work out a short-term arrangement with Powell, who turned his first season in South Beach into his All-Star debut."
Powell will be 33 at the start of next season, potentially deterring other teams from giving a long-term, expensive deal. There is a likely scenario he returns, especially if the team parts with Tyler Herro in a trade like many expect. The Heat's optimistic target is Chicago Bulls center Nick Richards, who will be an unrestricted free agent.
"When Miami starts Kel'el Ware or entrusts him with a stater's workload, it exposes the nonexistent nature of its depth behind him," the article added. "A quality backup big could quietly go a long way for this group, and Richards is one of the better reserve centers you'll find. He plays within himself and gets busy around the basket on both ends."
Kel'el Ware could be included in a trade this summer, especially if the Heat are all in on acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat don't currently have an option behind Bam Adebayo, so Richards could plug right in as a reserve center. The Heat's final target is the most realistic: Andrew Wiggins.
"Wiggins is solid, but if he just picks up his $30.2 million player option for next season, he'll be paid like he's closer to special," the article concluded. "Miami probably won't get $30.2 million of production out of him, but this gives the team a sturdy, two-way contributor for next season and the flexibility it has so carefully created beyond that."
Wiggins has been really solid for Miami this season and has been one of the main veteran presences for the team. While $30 million may be a bit expensive for a player of his caliber, him returning could be a strong move for the Heat. If the team is failing next season, he could be viewed as a trade piece as well.
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