Despite some encouraging signs, the Miami Heat have predictably struggled to start the 2024–25 season. They are just 4-6 through the team's first 10 games and, more importantly, are ninth in the standings. That has led to questions regarding whether they will make a big trade to try and shake things up.
That might even involve the Heat trading star Jimmy Butler, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Even so, a new report from ESPN's Tim Bontemps recently poured cold water on that idea, stating that they aren't in a rush to make a trade.
That seems to be a risky strategy given how balanced the Eastern Conference is this season, with teams that were expected to be bad, such as the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Charlotte Hornets, showing signs of life. Nevertheless, Heat President Pat Riley may have a great reason for being patient when it comes to the trade market.
Are the Miami Heat making the right call by not making a trade?
Of course, Heat fans are no doubt wondering if the team will be able to get in on a potential Giannis Antokounmpo trade. The Heat have been linked to both him and fellow Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard in the past. While they probably won't have as much interest in Lillard, if Giannis were to become available, then the heat would probably jump at the chance to land him.
That is possible, though the Bucks' season would really have to go off the rails. They started the season 2-8, which isn't a great start and Giannis has become more vocal recently about their struggles. If those struggles continue, then he may ask out.
The Miami Heat risk derailing their season waiting for a trade that may never come.
The Bucks will probably be able to turn their season around and make the playoffs, potentially pushing out Giannis' trade request until the summer of 2025, if he ever does. That may be the reason why Riley isn't in any hurry to make a deal, especially if making one could compromise his ability to land a big fish such as Giannis.
As is, they may not make the playoffs without a trade, but if they are waiting on Giannis to demand to be moved, then they could be waiting until next summer. They will have to balance the need to win now with the potential to win big next season and several seasons beyond. It is a tricky balance but Riley has plenty of experience making a big deal.