It was a disappointing season last year for the Miami Heat as they finished 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, though they were able to play their way to the eighth seed through the Play-In Tournament.
Despite this, Miami was swept in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers and they struggled after trading Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline.
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Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14), guard Davion Mitchell (45), forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and center Bam Adebayo (13)Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Now the Heat will enter the new season looking to bounce back with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro leading the way and they also made some key additions to their roster this offseason.
The Heat selected Kasparas Jakucionis in the 2025 draft and they also acquired both Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio in trades.
Norman Powell (24)© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
With these additions, the Heat are looking to fight for a top seed in the East this season, though they could also look to upgrade their roster ahead of the trade deadline.
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If that is the case, these three players could be potential trade targets for them.
Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae YoungKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
While the Atlanta Hawks are expected to be a top team in the East this season, they have yet to offer a new contract to star guard Trae Young who could be a free agent after the season.
Due to this, they may be willing to move on from the star guard this season and if that is the case, Miami could target him due to their need of a point guard.
While it would take a lot for the Heat to acquire Young, adding the 3-point sharpshooter and elite playmaker to their roster could make them into a title contender this season.
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Jrue Holiday
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4).© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Another point guard the Heat could target is Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday who could be made available this season.
Of course, Portland acquired Holiday from the Boston Celtics earlier this summer and they could use him as a trade piece this season and the Heat may show interest in him.
Holiday is a solid scorer, playmaker and defender who would give Miami a much-needed starting point guard likely at a cheap price who could turn them into a contender.
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DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings star DeMar DeRozan (10).Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Miami has been linked to DeMar DeRozan all offseason and if the Sacramento Kings decide to move him, the Heat could show interest.
The veteran forward would give the Heat a great scorer and solid defender who could fit well next to Herro and Adebayo, especially if Miami elects to trade Andrew Wiggins at some point.
DeRozan would also likely be a cheap option for Miami to add another star player to help them try and make a deep playoff run.
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While the Heat could target these players, they could also look elsewhere to upgrade their roster as they try to bounce back after last season’s struggles.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.