Predicting the Miami Heat’s next superstar trade target

Much has been made of the offseason of the Miami Heat. While some observers have derided their lack of activity as a distinct failure, other sections of the Heat fanbase have viewed it through a more considered lens. That is, PJ Tucker aside, the team that was a Jimmy Butler missed 3-point attempt away from a return to the NBA Finals will again be returning to the floor for the 2022-23 season.

Within this, there are some key reasons to explain why the Heat front office has stood pat. At the top of the list was the absence in the playoffs of major contributions from the backcourt pair of Kyle Lowry and Tyler Herro. Lowry, a six-time All-Star, and Herro, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year winner, were largely hobbled through this recent run due to differing ailments.

Following a decidedly low-key offseason, the Miami Heat’s next step is to land another star.

Lowry appeared in just 10 of the Heat’s 18 postseason games, while Herro’s persistent groin issue meant he was sidelined for the final three games of their season-ending loss to the Boston Celtics. In addition to a hampered playoff run, Lowry’s first regular season with the Heat was also regularly interrupted, primarily due to some continuing personal reasons.

Also, with a not-so-subtle urging by team president Pat Riley at his season-ending press conference for Lowry to get into world-class shape, the hope is the 16-season veteran can return to his previous lofty heights.

Then there is Herro, whose third season in the league saw him become the most dynamic bench scorer in the league. He is widely expected now to graduate into the role of regular starter, and this upcoming season could easily become a template for what to expect moving forward.

But the real wildcard entering this upcoming season comes in the form of Victor Oladipo. He was limited to just eight regular season games due to an extensive rehabilitation process on his ruptured right quadriceps tendon. However, Oladipo’s presence in the playoffs increased much more than expected due to the absences of Lowry and Herro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1boUOMqrfk0

While his shooting was inconsistent, Oladipo quickly demonstrated why he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2018 with his quick feet and lateral movement, ensuring he finished second on the Heat in steals and deflections.

Which star could the Miami Heat pursue next?

After failing to acquire both Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell this offseason, the Heat’s next target will most likely be determined by their record and the success of opposing teams. Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers are one example. With Lillard sidelined for much of last season, the Blazers not surprisingly slumped to a 27-55 record.

Additionally, despite an offseason that has seen them add the likes of Jerami Grant and Gary Payton II, the depth of talent existing throughout the entire league means a return to playoff action is far from guaranteed. However, with Lillard on the books through the 2026–27 season, such a deal, considering Lillard’s importance to the franchise, would be a considerable change of tact for the Blazers.

Another couple of possible names to monitor are Zach LaVine and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Like Lillard, LaVine is locked in through the 2026–27 season. While the Bulls shot out of the blocks last season, it was eventually derailed due to a combination of player availability and the overall capacity of the team to succeed. As a result, they were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs in five games by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Clearly, in win-now mode, the recent news that starting point guard Lonzo Ball will not be available to commence the season is far from ideal. Also, given the assets sacrificed to add center Nikola Vucevic, and with All-Star DeMar DeRozan a year older, the Bulls’ front office will have to decide whether to proceed with their current nucleus. Or, they could potentially sacrifice a key piece to replenish their draft and playing stock. It will be interesting to observe.

Then there is Gilgeous-Alexander, who, like Lillard and LaVine, is signed for the 2026-27 season. As is the case with the aforementioned pair, any potential movements with Gilgeous-Alexander are pure speculation. Gilgeous-Alexander has now experienced two consecutive seasons in which winning was the furthest objective for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Moreover, with number two overall pick Chet Holmgren now sidelined for the entire upcoming season, the relationship between both player and franchise will certainly be something to monitor. However, the main pressing issue now for the Heat is Herro’s impending contract extension.

While the player would clearly like to get the contractual details sorted as quickly as possible, doing so would basically eliminate the Heat’s chances this season of potentially landing a star to push them over the top. So, with training camp just a fortnight away, it is fair to say there are a number of storylines as it pertains to the Miami Heat that will be played out in the coming months.