The Miami Heat appear to be in a tough spot in the NBA. After a first-round playoff exit last season, they didn’t make significant improvements during the offseason, but they also don’t seem to be planning to rebuild.
Going into the 2024-25 season, the team may be slightly weaker, especially with Caleb Martin departing to Philadelphia over the summer.
There have been numerous trade rumors involving the Heat recently, many of which suggest Jimmy Butler or Tyler Herro could be on the move.
However, an alternative approach could be for the Heat to keep both players and make a win-now trade using draft capital. Grant Hughes proposed a trade on *Bleacher Report* in his article “5 Blockbuster Trades to Build New NBA Title Favorites,” where the Heat could acquire Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks. In this scenario, Miami would send Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, a 2028 first-round swap, a 2029 first-round pick, a 2030 first-round swap, and a 2031 first-round pick to Atlanta.
Hughes wrote, “Young is set to earn $43 million next year and $46 million in 2025-26, with a $49 million player option for 2026-27. While he’s an expensive, offense-focused player whose leadership hasn’t fully emerged, he could fix the Heat’s need for reliable shot creation and perimeter scoring, which they’ve lacked for years.”
The Heat’s offense has struggled, ranking below league average for most of the past four seasons, while their defense remains strong. Young’s elite offensive skills could be a solution, despite his defensive weaknesses. The Heat’s work ethic might even help mask his flaws and bring out the best in him.
This trade would be a high-risk, win-now move for Miami, especially with Butler’s future uncertain. However, the Heat’s young talent could make the risk worthwhile.
