This polarizing star needs to be monitored for Heat’s next major swing

After several recent extensions around the league, the 2026 free agent class is thinning. Could Trae Young, who is one of the last stars remaining to be available, fall into Miami’s plans?
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In today’s NBA, free agency is not what it once used to be. The days of Pat Riley putting his rings on the table in recruiting pitches are long gone. And this recent era of deal making is one that has looked like it’s passed the Miami Heat front office by.

Stars don’t hit the open market in unrestricted free agency anymore. There’s more financial upside for players with staying put and signing max contract extensions. Luka Doncic and De’Aaron Fox were the most recent examples of this.

Doncic’s commitment especially threw a curveball in Miami’s speculated “2026 plan.”

The Heat are looking at nearly $50 million in expiring contracts for next offseason. Terry Rozier’s awful $25 million is set to come off the books, along with Simmone Fontechio’s $8 million. And the team could be looking at much more with Norman Powell on a contract year and Andrew Wiggins having a player option.

However, the marquee names that could still hit free agency for 2026 is down to really just LeBron James, Ja Morant and Trae Young.

Trae Young is the perfect long-term superstar to pair alongside Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro’s timeline.

The Atlanta Hawks are facing a contract situation with Young. Despite them making some roster improvements this offseason around him, the four-time All-Star is still due for a max extension. He is entering the final year of his contract for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Up to this point, his impending extension has had zero clarity.

In fact, he’s been due for it since last season— yet the Hawks have opted to questionably take the patient approach with the decision to commit to Young financially.

If there’s no resolution in the coming months, the pressure is going to be on in Atlanta. Young is one of the league’s most talented offensive players and has yet to hit his prime at the age of 26.

Last season, Young averaged 24.2 points, a career-high 11.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 41/34/88 shooting splits across 76 games played.

The shooting efficiency is something that can be improved. However, Young’s elite playmaking skills could provide plenty of benefits to Miami’s Bam Adebayo-Kel’el Ware frontcourt pairing— especially in the pick-and-roll. There’s even benefits to get the shooters more open looks for Tyler Herro and Powell.

There should be no question that a potential Young addition to the Heat’s core would dramatically raise their ceiling, especially in the weaker Eastern Conference.

His availability on the open market could change at any moment. But if the Hawks risk letting Young hit free agency next summer, it would be foolish for Riley and company to not kick the tires to bring in the polarizing star on their terms.

This polarizing star needs to be monitored for Heat’s next major swing

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