The Miami Heat are at a crossroads following an eventful 2023-24 season. With a final record of 46-36, the Heat showed flashes of brilliance but were ultimately derailed by a series of unfortunate injuries. Jimmy Butler, their star player, was sidelined during the crucial play-in tournament against the Philadelphia 76ers and missed the remainder of the postseason. Midseason acquisition Terry Rozier also missed all postseason action, while rookie sensation Jaime Jaquez Jr. suffered a hip injury in their first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics, leading to an early exit.

As the 2024 offseason approaches, the Heat are once again looking to make strategic moves to bolster their lineup. Known for their ability to manipulate the salary cap and make bold trades, Miami’s front office, led by Pat Riley, is exploring various options to enhance their chances of a deep playoff run.

Rumors are already swirling about possible targets. The team is reportedly interested in acquiring a star to complement Butler and Adebayo, and names like Donovan Mitchell have been floated as potential candidates. In this article, we’ll break down the Miami Heat’s trade targets for the 2024 offseason into different tiers categorized by priorities. From dream acquisitions that could make a significant impact to more realistic and attainable options, we’ll explore who the Heat might pursue and how these moves could shape their future.

How The Heat Can Land LeBron James:

Heat receive: LeBron James

Lakers receive: Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic, 2029 first-round pick

LeBron James is once again the center of free agency buzz in 2024. Reportedly, he will opt out of his $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, and even though the general consensus is that he will likely re-sign with the Lakers, might the Heat could have a last chance to land one of the best players in today’s NBA.

The Lakers are reportedly open to a new three-year, $164 million contract for James, which aligns with his plans to continue playing alongside his son, Bronny, who will be eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft.

LeBron had another stellar season, averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, showcasing his undiminished talent despite the Lakers’ early playoff exit. While the idea of James returning to Miami, where he won two championships and solidified his legacy, is enticing, it’s more of a nostalgic dream than a realistic possibility. A reunion with the Heat would be a storybook ending to his career, but the logistics and financial constraints make it improbable for this offseason.

The Heat could offer a substantial trade package with Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, and a future first-rounder, but the chances of the Lakers agreeing to this move are less than slim.

Ultimately, LeBron’s next chapter seems set to continue in Los Angeles, where he can maintain his family’s stability and pursue another title with a retooled Lakers roster. The Heat fans can only dream of a comeback, knowing that their focus will need to shift to more attainable targets to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.

Top Priority – Donovan Mitchell

How The Heat Can Land Donovan Mitchell:

Heat receive: Donovan Mitchell

Cavaliers receive: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Orlando Robinson, 2029 first-round pick

Donovan Mitchell has been at the center of trade rumors ever since the Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs. Despite Mitchell’s impressive season, averaging 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, the Cavaliers might be considering trading him if he doesn’t sign an extension. With his contract running through the 2024-25 season, Cleveland could look to move Mitchell to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency.

The Miami Heat have shown interest in Mitchell before, dating back to his days with the Utah Jazz. The Heat were previously linked to trade discussions involving Mitchell, making him a realistic target now that the Cavaliers might be open to offers. Adding Mitchell to the Heat would provide a significant boost. His scoring ability and playmaking skills would fit well alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, creating a formidable trio. Mitchell’s experience and clutch performances could be the missing piece for Miami to make a deep playoff run.

The proposed trade package—Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Orlando Robinson, and a 2029 first-round pick—offers the Cavaliers a mix of young talent and future assets. Herro’s scoring potential, Jaquez’s versatility, and Robinson’s upside could help Cleveland maintain competitiveness while planning for the future.

Securing Donovan Mitchell would not only elevate the Heat’s championship aspirations but also signal their intent to remain a top contender in the Eastern Conference. This potential trade could redefine the landscape of the NBA and make Miami a powerhouse for years to come.

A Rockets Trade Offer For Jimmy Butler The Miami Heat Wouldn’t Refuse

High Priorities – Trae Young, Lauri Markkanen

How The Heat Can Land Trae Young:

Heat receive: Trae Young

Hawks receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick

The Miami Heat are no strangers to making bold moves, and targeting Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks would certainly be a game-changer. The Hawks have been contemplating a potential shake-up, with Trae Young’s name frequently surfacing in trade rumors. Although Young has expressed a desire to stay in Atlanta and win a championship there, the franchise’s recent struggles and the acquisition of the No. 1 overall pick have fueled speculation about his future.

In the 2024 season, Trae Young continued to demonstrate his offensive prowess, averaging 26.4 points and 10.8 assists per game. Despite his impressive stats, the Hawks were eliminated in the play-in tournament, raising questions about the team’s direction and Young’s fit within it.

For the Heat, acquiring Young would provide a dynamic playmaker who excels in pick-and-roll situations and can stretch the floor with his deep shooting. His ability to create for himself and others would complement Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, forming a formidable trio. The proposed trade package offers Atlanta a mix of shooting and young talent in Tyler Herro, along with future draft assets, making it a compelling deal for both sides.

How The Heat Can Land Lauri Markkanen:

Heat receive: Lauri Markkanen

Jazz receive: Terry Rozier, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick

Lauri Markkanen has emerged as a top trade target for teams looking to add a versatile forward with a scoring touch. The Finnish star, who averaged 23.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the 2024 season, is set to become a free agent in 2025. With the Utah Jazz likely to retool their roster, trading Markkanen for valuable assets before his contract expires makes strategic sense.

Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide solid defense would be a significant boost for the Miami Heat. His fit alongside Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt would create a versatile and formidable pairing, allowing Miami to deploy various offensive and defensive schemes.

The proposed trade sends Terry Rozier, who was acquired midseason, along with two future first-round picks to Utah. This deal gives the Jazz future assets while allowing the Heat to add a player who can contribute immediately and help them contend in the Eastern Conference.

Medium Priorities – Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine, Jerami Grant

How The Heat Can Land Dejounte Murray:

Heat receive: Dejounte Murray

Hawks receive: Tyler Herro, 2026 first-round pick

Dejounte Murray has been a consistent performer for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game in the 2024 season. Despite his solid contributions, the Hawks have been exploring trade options for Murray due to the team’s underwhelming performance and the need to retool their roster. Atlanta finished the season 36-46, failing to make the playoffs, which has further fueled trade speculations.

For the Miami Heat, acquiring Murray would add a versatile guard capable of excelling on both ends of the floor. His defensive prowess and ability to facilitate the offense would complement Miami’s core, providing a significant boost to their backcourt. The proposed trade package of Tyler Herro and a 2026 first-round pick offers Atlanta a young scorer and future asset, aligning with their long-term rebuilding plans.

How The Heat Can Land Zach LaVine:

Heat receive: Zach LaVine

Bulls receive: Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, 2026 first-round pick

Zach LaVine has been a cornerstone for the Chicago Bulls, known for his explosive scoring and athleticism. In the 2024 season, while struggling with injuries, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. However, the Bulls have struggled to find consistent success, prompting discussions about trading LaVine to maximize their return before his contract becomes a significant issue.

Miami could benefit immensely from LaVine’s scoring ability and athleticism. His ability to create shots and finish at the rim would diversify the Heat’s offensive options. The trade involving Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and a 2026 first-round pick provides Chicago with shooting and a playmaker, along with a valuable future draft asset, which could help them rebuild or make further moves in the market.

How The Heat Can Land Jerami Grant:

Heat receive: Jerami Grant

Blazers receive: Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, 2028 first-round pick

Jerami Grant has been a key player for the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. Averaging 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in the 2024 season, Grant has proven to be a versatile forward who can score efficiently and defend multiple positions. With Grant secured on a long-term contract, the Blazers might consider trading him to acquire future assets and younger talent to align with their rebuilding timeline.

For the Miami Heat, Grant’s versatility and defensive capabilities would be invaluable. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively fits well with Miami’s system. The proposed trade package of Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, and a 2028 first-round pick gives Portland a combination of immediate talent and future draft capital, making it an appealing deal for a team looking to reset.

Low Priorities – Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Wendell Carter Jr.

How The Heat Can Land Brandon Ingram:

Heat receive: Brandon Ingram

Pelicans receive: Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, 2026 first-round pick

Brandon Ingram had a solid 2024 season with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. He shot 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range. Despite his skillset, the Pelicans struggled with consistency and faced issues with injuries and team cohesion. The addition of Ingram to the Miami Heat would provide them with a versatile wing who can score, facilitate, and defend, which would be invaluable alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

Trading for Ingram makes sense for Miami as they aim to add another reliable scorer and playmaker. The proposed trade package of Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and a 2026 first-round pick offers the Pelicans shooting depth and a future asset, which can aid their rebuilding efforts. This move would help the Pelicans acquire pieces that fit better with their core while allowing the Heat to strengthen their lineup with a proven scorer.

How The Heat Can Land Kyle Kuzma:

Heat receive: Kyle Kuzma

Wizards receive: Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, 2026 first-round pick

Kyle Kuzma had an impressive season with the Washington Wizards, averaging 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Despite his strong performance, the Wizards finished with a disappointing 15-67 record, leading to discussions about potential trades to retool their roster. For the Miami Heat, Kuzma’s scoring ability and versatility make him an attractive target. His ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions would fit well within Miami’s system.

The proposed trade includes Duncan Robinson, known for his shooting prowess, and Nikola Jovic, a promising young talent, along with a future first-round pick. This trade provides the Wizards with assets for their future rebuild while giving the Heat a significant upgrade in their forward rotation. Kuzma’s addition would enhance Miami’s depth and scoring options, making them a more formidable team in the Eastern Conference.

How The Heat Can Land Wendell Carter Jr.:

Heat receive: Wendell Carter Jr.

Magic receive: Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic, Orlando Robinson, 2026 first-round pick

Wendell Carter Jr. has been a consistent performer for the Orlando Magic, averaging 15.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in the 2024 season. His defensive presence and ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable asset. The Magic, who finished with a record of 47-35, might look to acquire more young talent and future assets to build around their core players after a great season that ended with a playoff berth.

The proposed trade sends Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic, Orlando Robinson, and a 2026 first-round pick to Orlando. This package offers the Magic a mix of young talent and future draft capital, aligning with their rebuilding strategy. For the Heat, acquiring Carter Jr. would provide a reliable center who can bolster their interior defense and rebounding, fitting well alongside Bam Adebayo and strengthening their frontcourt depth.