Heat predicted to miss on LeBron James, reunite with $33M playoff hero to 'revitalize' career

May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat have been one of the most aggressive teams this summer when it comes to making blockbuster moves. Miami has already made a splash by completing a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Now, the Heat are attempting to make another major move by signing LeBron James. Antetokounmpo understands how special it would be to team up with the four-time NBA champion.

“If there was a scenario for that to happen, I'd be very, very excited," Antetokounmpo told ESPN of possibly joining forces with James. "He's one of the best players to ever play this game, if not the best. [I'd] be able to learn so much from him. Obviously, brings such a championship experience to the team right from day one.”

As the possibility of James returning to Miami continues to grow, it has become one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. Team president Pat Riley recently provided an update on the organization's pursuit of James.

“To be transparent about it, we've had discussions over a week ago, maybe a week before that about it. But right now, I think we're like everybody else. Just waiting to see what he does,” Riley told the media.

Still, there is no guarantee James will sign with Miami. CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland believes the Heat could turn to former playoff hero Gabe Vincent if they miss out on James.

“The Heat are going to be desperate for shooting, no matter what James does. But if they miss out on him, they could offer a portion of the mid-level rather than simply filling out the roster with minimums. Perhaps Gabe Vincent would return to the Heat on a team-friendly deal to try to revitalize his career,” Kalland wrote.

There is no doubt the Heat, like every team pursuing James, are aggressively trying to land the future Hall of Famer. However, if Miami reunites with Vincent, he would return to the franchise where he enjoyed the greatest success of his career.

Vincent played last season on a $33 million contract. Some of the best moments of his NBA career came with the Heat, and a return to Miami could be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track after leaving for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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