Trae Young’s biggest talent would be a game changer for the Heat

As the reigning NBA assists leader, Trae Young’s playmaking could give the Miami Heat a much needed boost off the trade market.
(Photo via Imagn Images)

Ahead of the upcoming February 5 trade deadline, the newest polarizing star to evidently be added to the market is Atlanta Hawks’ point guard Trae Young.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Hawks and Young are working together on a trade prior to that upcoming deadline. It is unclear yet just how many teams have legitimate interest in bringing the four-time All-Star aboard. However, Miami Heat fans on social media have already begun discussing a potential fit with Young in South Beach.

The 27-year-old is in the midst of a down year, currently averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists on just 42% shooting and 31% from 3-point range. He’s also dealt with injuries for most of this season— appearing in just 10 games so far. The drop in his statistical numbers could be impacted by injury or Young’s desire to be traded after failing to reach a contract extension with Atlanta. It could even be a little bit of both.

Last season, Young averaged 24.2 points and a league-high 11.6 assists across 76 games played.

No matter what the case is in regard to his stats dipping this year, he is still one of the greatest passers in the entire association.

Young is also a proven playoff riser in the beginning of his prime years. And he is more than capable of elevating a team looking to contend. He led the Hawks to an Eastern Conference finals berth back in 2021.

If (big if) the Miami Heat have interest in Trae Young, he would be a legitimate playmaker in the team’s offense.

The Heat haven’t had a true point guard in a very long time. Goran Dragic and Kyle Lowry, even at their best during their time in Miami, were both far from Young’s abilities. As the reigning NBA assists leader, Young is a proven elite playmaker that any team would reap the benefits from.

Having Young setting up Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo with pitch-perfect lob passes would be a delight to watch on a nightly basis.

He could unlock an entire new level to what has already been an impressive improvement within Miami’s offense this season. But would Pat Riley and the Heat front office consider such an acquisition for the disgruntled star?

Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson doesn’t think so, but isn’t ruling it out if the price is right.

“For those asking about Young/Heat, in the past there has been strong sentiment against pursuing if he became available. There are many deterrents despite his offensive gifts: 1). Poor defense. 2). Dubious impact on winning. 3). Wants big contract that would make it difficult to build good team around him. 4) Now dealing with injuries. Saving assets for Giannis bid would be wiser. Unless Hawks settle for essentially nothing of value in return; then you could make case.”

— Barry Jackson/X

What would it take to get a deal done with the Hawks?

Financially, a Tyler Herro headlining deal could get it done. Perhaps Atlanta and Miami could agree to each swap two injury stricken former All-Star guards that are due to get paid, in hopes of a fresh start and new fit for both of them.

Would you pull the trigger on this successful mock trade that sends Trae Young to the Miami Heat?

Heat receive: Trae Young

Hawks receive: Tyler Herro, Simone Fontecchio, one second-round draft pick pic.twitter.com/02hJKd3Ll9

— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) January 6, 2026

Herro has had an injury riddled 2025-26 campaign of his own, but is still putting up strong scoring and efficiency numbers. However, his assists per game have dipped from a career-high 5.5 assists last year to just 2.4 this season— that figure is his worst since Herro’s rookie year. Inserting Young’s much better passing ability while providing similar, if not better offense as Herro is intriguing.

It would be an upgrade for Miami, especially with Norman Powell’s scoring having a bit of redundancy to what’s been a clunky fit between him and Herro in the backcourt.

Trae Young’s biggest talent would be a game changer for the Heat

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