Draft Prospects the Heat Should Target with the 20th Pick
The Miami Heat own the 20th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. They acquired this pick from the Golden State Warriors as part of the Jimmy Butler trade during this season's Trade Deadline. The pick was switched after Golden State clinched a Playoff spot, locking it into the eleventh–thirtieth range. Meanwhile, Miami’s first-round pick at No. 15 will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder, as it was lottery-protected and now transfers due to the Heat also making the Playoffs. With the draft order set, here are some prospects the Heat could target to add depth and long-term upside.
Jase Richardson
The six-foot-three freshman guard out of Michigan State showcased a reliable mid-range game and consistently finished strong at the rim during his one college season. He earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors and was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team after averaging 12.1 points, three rebounds, and one assist per game, while shooting an impressive 41% from three, showing he is a highly efficient scorer at all three levels. Jase Richardson’s feel for the game and ability to play either guard spot would give the Heat a valuable connective piece to pair with, or play behind, Tyler Herro. He also comes from a strong basketball pedigree, as the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson.
Walter Clayton Jr.
The six-foot-three senior combo guard out of Florida is widely regarded as one of the best pure shooters in this year’s draft class. He thrives in catch-and-shoot situations, has a lightning-quick release, and is equally effective shooting off the dribble, making him one of the most dynamic offensive guards available. Walter Clayton Jr. excels in pick-and-roll action, a big part of Miami’s offense, and consistently knocks down mid-range shots off the ball screen action. His standout season earned him numerous accolades, including 2025 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Final Four All-Tournament Team, West Regional Most Outstanding Player, and 2025 Consensus AP First-Team All-American. He was also named SEC Tournament MVP, made the All-SEC Tournament Team, and was a finalist for the Wooden Award.
Will Riley
The long six-foot-eight guard/forward out of Illinois is one of the rawest prospects in the draft, but his upside is there. Will Riley flashes advanced perimeter skills, particularly as a catch-and-shoot threat and in space, and he's shown he’s comfortable stepping into mid-range pull-ups. Despite some inconsistency, he averaged 12.6 points per game on 43.2% shooting from the field as a freshman, showing some potential as a floor-spacer, but he lacked rhythm and consistency at times. With a true shooting percentage of 53.3%, adding strength to his frame could help him finish through contact and rely less on settling for jumpers. Defensively, Riley has the tools to become elite; his length, lateral quickness, and recovery ability allow him to guard multiple positions effectively, especially if he continues to develop physically.
With major questions over Miami’s offseason, the direction of their draft strategy may hinge on whether they pursue a blockbuster move for a star like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Pat Riley follows through on the big swing he’s been hinting at, selecting a guard could help fill out a thinned roster if they don't end up trading this year's pick. Another key decision involves whether the Heat will re-sign Davion Mitchell; if they do, a versatile player like Will Riley could be an ideal piece. His size, upside, and defensive potential would fit well alongside the Heat’s core and give Mitchell that point guard role that he flourished in with the Heat.
