It's been a month since free agency started in the NBA, and more than a few league-altering moves have happened. Not by the Warriors, of course. Pretty much every other team in the league has done something. While the Heat made some serious noise early on, they might not be done.
Even before Miami moved on Giannis Antetokounmpo, there were other names that were definite possibilities for them. Guys like Kawhi Leonard, Domantas Sabonis, and James Harden have been attached to the Heat on occasion. Some of them are even still available.
But what's the likelihood of any of them showing up in South Beach before the 2026-2027 season starts? A couple of those names more likely than you might think. And if the Heat make the right choices, the Eastern Conference could get even more interesting than it already is.
6. Russell Westbrook
After spending a year in Sacramento, Westbrook is a free agent again. The Kings wanted to keep him, but just don't have the cap space. Brodie had an unexpectedly great season in Sactown. Yet, only European teams seem interested right now. The Heat aren't likely to take him as their organization is tied up in unsubstantiated rumors that Westbrook is too difficult to coach.
5. Kawhi Leonard
It's just not happening. The NBA has dragged out the Leonard/Clippers investigation so long that the Kawhi trade with the Raptors feels more or less in the past. There's speculation that it could continue into 2027 before the league makes any announcements. Every team will stay away from Leonard until a judgement has been made and punishments have been doled out.
4. Domantas Sabonis
The problem with Sabonis is not his game, though his defense is weak. It's his contract. The man is grossly overpaid for what he brings to the court. That's why the Kings have had so little interesting in him as a trade option. Being injured for most of 2025-2026 hasn't helped his value at all. It's unlikely that Miami is willing to spend that kind of money on a center/power forward who doesn't defend.
3. Jalen Duren
Detroit's relationship with their breakout center has gone south really fast. He wants a supermax but how badly he botched the 2026 playoffs has the Piston's thinking twice. While Duren might end up staying on a qualifying offer as of October 1st, he is a restricted free agent for the moment. The man can ball and has a high ceiling, so Miami would and should be a good destination for him.
2. James Harden
Every front office thinks they want Harden until they have Harden. When they realize the truth, it's too late, and your best players are trying to drag a 220-pound albatross through the playoffs. Assuming the Cavs smarten up and don't re-sign Harden, the Heat are the frontrunners to make this bad choice. He won't help them win a title, but he'll sink some nice shots in the regular season.
1. DeMar DeRozan
As part of the Kings' ongoing rebuild, they waived this mid-range maestro and set him loose in free agency. Since then, almost every team except Sacramento has been attached to rumors about him. Miami could make incredible use of DeRozan, especially since they gave up so much depth to get Giannis. There's a real chance this signing happens, which would be good for the Heat's goals.
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