Pat Riley has laid out Miami’s three-pronged roster blueprint for the upcoming season. The first priority is a true playmaker to partner with LeBron James, followed by a three-point marksman, and finally a contemporary, athletic big who can protect the rim or stretch the floor. With James still undecided, the Heat have kept their options open while remaining in a holding pattern on those needs.
The search for a wing player hinges on LeBron’s choice. Demar DeRozan would become a viable target only if James signs elsewhere, and Miami has not extended any formal assurance to DeRozan about a potential role. Simultaneously, the Heat are watching the Dallas Mavericks’ handling of Klay Thompson, who is owed $17.1 million this season. While Dallas appears more inclined to trade Thompson, a buyout would give Miami a veteran shooter regardless of where James lands.
Beyond Thompson, the Heat have identified a handful of other wing possibilities. Free-agent guard Bradley Beal, forward Kentavington Caldwell-Pope , who is expected to enter buyout talks with the Memphis Grizzlies , and guard Buddy Hield, currently slated to earn $9 million next season on Atlanta’s books but not in the Hawks’ plans, are all on the radar. A veteran NBA scout summed up the evaluation: “I would go Thompson... All those guys have flaws, age, injury. I wouldn’t do Hield; he’s close to done. You can’t discount the health issues with Beal.”
The pool of available centers is thin. Miami’s list includes 6-11 Nick Richards, 6-8 Bismack Biyombo, 6-10 Tony Bradley, 6-10 Drew Eubanks, and 7-0 Kelly Olynyk , a former Heat stretch big who logged just 8.6 minutes in 42 games for the San Antonio Spurs. While there has been chatter about Kevin Love returning to Miami, the organization has not actively pursued that option. The same scout noted, “Love would make sense because of the connection with LeBron and the Heat; he can still pass, rebound and make an open shot,” but added, “I wouldn’t do Eubanks. I’m higher on Nick Richards than others. You don’t want him as your backup five but a pretty good No. 3 center.”
Miami currently carries twelve players on standard contracts; LeBron would become the thirteenth if he signs. The Heat anticipate beginning the season with fourteen active players, leaving limited room for additional depth and requiring careful cap management. The balance between securing a playmaker and a reliable shooter while preserving financial flexibility will shape the Heat’s free-agency strategy.
The next few weeks will be decisive. LeBron’s decision, the Mavericks’ resolution on Thompson, and the availability of the identified wing and big men will determine whether Miami can lock in the pieces it needs without compromising future flexibility. A measured approach could preserve cap space for upcoming seasons, but a misstep may force the Heat into a scramble for depth once the regular season begins.
