Despite what the national media would speculate, the Heat DO have assets. And Pat Riley will assuredly be assessing his most attractive chips for the next franchise star this summer. (Photo via Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

With another early ending to a second straight difficult Miami Heat campaign comes plenty of basketball fan’s favorite time of year: the NBA offseason.

And there will be a lot of work to be done for Pat Riley and the Heat’s front office. First and foremost, this comes with something that hasn’t been done in years, even well before this season’s Jimmy Butler drama went down—deciding the direction.

Does Miami completely blow it up, and even dangle All-Star’s Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to do so? Is a more softer rebuild on the horizon? Or is a re-tool around the Herro and Adebayo duo to bring in a much needed true star going to take place?

Well, as long as Riley is still at the helm, expect the latter. He, along with players and coaches on the staff, would like to get back to contention status as soon as possible.

Riley just turned 80 years old only a few months ago. A rebuild doesn’t only go against what the Heat franchise despises to do, but it doesn’t align with the legendary Riley’s timeline.

Luckily, this summer’s trade market may have some star options shake free— possibly headlined by Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant.

Unlike what some of the national media admits, Miami does have assets.

Riley can surely build a respectable trade haul to bring in a disgruntled star.

Heat players who declined to speak to the media today for their exit interviews:

• Andrew Wiggins
• Duncan Robinson
• Terry Rozier

Add another young player and/or some draft capital, and there’s your Kevin Durant/Giannis Antetokounmpo package right there.

We move⌛️🤫

— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) April 30, 2025

It is worth noting that the most mutual and realistic fit for Miami should be Durant. Both parties side’s have circled back on eachother for several years now.

The Heat will have an intriguing trade package headliner in Andrew Wiggins— along with several expiring salaries, young players and up to three tradeable first-round picks and pick swaps to put on the table.

Regardless of Durant’s age of 36, this is not an aging star like Butler. This is a Hall of Fame generational superstar that has yet to show signs of a decline.

The 15-time NBA All-Star and two-time champion is coming off a season where he posted 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and two sticks (steals and blocks) per game. Additionally, Durant did this on elite 53/43/84 shooting splits. He is still more than capable of completely moving the needle.

His fit in the Heat’s lineup would be seamless alongside Herro and Adebayo. And it would provide coach Erik Spoelstra with a much needed proven closer at the end of games.

As much as Antetokounmpo also is clearly enticing, there are more hurdles involved to pull off such a deal.

For starters, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar has yet to express an interest in being traded, despite the rumors already circulating. He is also right in the middle of his prime years at the age of 29. A package for his services could likely include parting with one of Herro or Adebayo, which would only open more holes in Miami’s lineup.

“Does Giannis ask out? If he does, does he have a list? I poked around a little bit a few days ago and the initial thing I got from one person was just some rumblings that it’s already just the big cities. It’s one of the LA teams or one of the New York teams or maybe Miami—not… pic.twitter.com/DAzkIyU2Xy

— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) May 6, 2025

The only possible way a deal could get done without them, would be Antetokounmpo demanding “Miami and Miami only.”

Even then, Heat fans know all too well that type of request is far from a guarantee.

Durant’s timeline aligns with both the Heat and Riley’s, giving the organization a legit shot at returning to the top of the Eastern Conference as quickly as possible. He would provide a three-four year window that would instantly elevate Miami.

Which star do you want to see Riley be aggressive in acquiring? Let us know in the comments!

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