Even after making a blockbuster trade this summer for Norman Powell, the Miami Heat have retained as much flexibility as possible for future moves, although they might not come as soon as initially thought.
The Miami Heat made one of the bigger offseason moves in the Eastern Conference, sending Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal for Norman Powell.
Even with an added scoring boost to the backcourt, the Heat are expected to finish behind the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Magic in the standings, as well as possibly the Pistons, Hawks, Bucks, Pacers, and Celtics. In short, their playoff odds are not guaranteed.
As a big-market team with an attractive brand, the Heat are expected to undergo a small rebuild and hit the ground running with a star-studded lineup in the near future.
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty ImagesMiami Heat expected to undergo small ‘reset’
Between established stars like Powell, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro, the Heat have the talent to compete, although they lack a true superstar.
From Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler, Miami has long boasted a top-ten player in the world, so this season will be a bit of a shock to the culture.
However, with youngsters Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larsson, and Kasparas Jakucionis all poised for successful careers, the Heat can take their time and rebuild somewhat organically.
“I think this is about biding their time, rebuilding their asset base somewhat, and acknowledging that despite the fact that they had a really good five-year run and made the Conference Finals three times and the Finals a couple of times, they weren’t really a championship-level team,” predicted ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
“They had to do some sort of a reset. And while the Heat are not anytime soon going to go back to the full tank days, they’ve kind of milled it, getting Kel’el Ware in the draft, making the Norm Powell deal, and having some salary cap flexibility. And now we’ll see where they sit over the next 12 to 24 months.”
For fans who are long used to playoff appearances and thrilling finishes, a “12 to 24 month” window might not be acceptable, although the wait will be well worth it.
Miami Heat have their sights set on 2027
“Heat Culture” points to Miami being hardworking and disciplined, finding role-players where no one else can, although the team has long been built on the backs of glitzy superstars, with role-players offering major, but not key, contributions.
The Heat lack that true superstar to build around, although by 2027, Donovan Mitchell, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo could all be free agents, and with the Heat’s payroll soon to expire, they are the frontrunners to land one of the best players in the world.
According to Bontemps, the only player safe in Miami for the long term is Adebayo, with the team playing coy on extensions for Herro, Powell, Nikola Jovic, and Terry Rozier. After a down season or two, the Heat are expected to emerge with a star-studded roster, like they seemingly always do.