The Miami Heat have started the season 0-2 after what was one of the most active offseasons of any team in the NBA. Miami has added plenty of veteran talent to its roster and believes those additions could help fuel a championship run.
During the summer, Miami made a major move by trading for NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“The Milwaukee Bucks are trading franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in Tuesday's NBA draft), one pick swap and one second-round pick, sources told ESPN. The Heat are sending to Milwaukee unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 along with No. 13, a pick swap in 2030 and a 2033 second-rounder, according to sources," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote.
That might not be the only major trade the Heat make this season. CBS Sports' Sam Quinn believes Miami could also pursue Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving.
“He's 34 and his team's franchise player is 19. Timeline issues don't need to be deal-breakers, but the Mavericks don't control their own first-round pick again until 2031. They have to find longer-term assets where they can, and Irving is their most desirable trade piece. The Heat are fairly asset-depleted, but would surely offer what they could,” Quinn wrote.
Adding Irving could give the Heat another experienced playmaker to complement Antetokounmpo. However, a potential deal would depend on Dallas' willingness to move the veteran guard and Miami's ability to put together an acceptable offer.
“Ujiri has made it clear that the franchise is committed to keeping Irving with Flagg, who is 15 years younger than the star point guard," ESPN's Brain Windhorst wrote. "Rival front offices question whether Dallas can stick to that plan with roster holes elsewhere and the two stars on different career timelines."
Miami could benefit from adding a player of Irving's caliber, while Davion Mitchell could continue providing energy and playmaking for the second unit. The Heat have already added veteran talent this offseason, and another experienced guard could give the roster an additional option.
Irving is entering the final year of his $118 million contract with the Mavericks. If Miami is serious about contending this season, pursuing another established star could be an aggressive move to consider.
