Although he’s been criticized for personnel decisions dating back to LeBron James’ departure, Miami Heat president Pat Riley has proven he remains among the NBA’s top executives. Despite the team’s on-court performances taking a few steps back since their last Finals appearance, the assets they’ve got to make a splash prior to this trade deadline or this summer do stack up favorably against what most of the league can dangle.
The Heat are short some draft capital, but the reason they’ve been tied into so much trade chatter over the past few months in addition to being a popular destination is because they’re well-positioned to make a splash.
A solid blend of quality players on short or expiring contracts and coveted players on their rookie deals have made Miami a team to watch as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches. Here are the top seven trade targets the Heat can potentially add to make a run in a season where the Eastern Conference is considered wide open.
F Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
The holy grail of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, Giannis would give the Heat its first MVP on the roster since LeBron James and would place it on the short list of championship contenders for the foreseeable future. Because Miami wouldn’t be giving up Bam Adebayo in any deal, the Heat would need those two to thrive as a frontcourt tandem that would, on paper, be among the league’s most formidable.