Offseason Pressure Has Arrived in Miami
The Miami Heat’s season came to a disappointing end, as they were swept in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Making the playoffs was a gift for the Heat, given that the regular season was their worst record since 2014–15. It also featured a major turning point with the midseason trade of franchise star Jimmy Butler, ending that era in South Beach. As the offseason begins, the Heat face critical decisions ahead, ranging from re-signing key role players to navigating the draft and free agency in hopes of filling holes in the roster.
Only two players on the roster have expiring contracts: Davion Mitchell, a restricted free agent acquired during this year's trade deadline, and Alec Burks, an unrestricted free agent signed the previous offseason. Miami can extend Mitchell an $8.7 million qualifying offer; if he accepts, he’d return on a one-year deal at that value while aiming for a long-term extension during the upcoming season. Burks, who was on a one-year veteran minimum deal, carries no qualifying offer. It’s likely the Heat will bring Mitchell back on a multi-year deal worth around $10 million annually and re-sign Burks on another veteran minimum contract if the spot is available.
By making the playoffs, Miami lost its own first-round pick, which would have held the 11th-best odds at the first overall selection. However, they own Golden State’s first-round pick from the Butler trade, which landed at 20th overall. The pick had a chance to be as high as 18, but a random draw, due to a tie with Memphis and Milwaukee at 48-34, ultimately landed the pick at 20. Players to watch in that range include Georgia forward Asa Newell, UConn forward Liam McNeeley, French guard Nolan Traore, and Michigan State guard Jase Richardson. While the playoff experience is valuable, missing out on a potential second top-20 pick, only to be swept in the first round, definitely hurts.
This free agency period could unfold in several directions depending on who Miami drafts and which players they bring back. Tyler Herro is eligible for a contract extension, but if he opts to wait until next offseason, the Heat could explore packaging mid-level contracts, like those of Terry Rozier and Andrew Wiggins, in pursuit of a third star to pair with Bam Adebayo and Herro during this offseason. A strong rookie campaign from Kel’el Ware, especially since he exceeded expectations and became a reliable starter alongside Adebayo, gives Miami clarity at that position. With the frontcourt potentially solidified, the focus would be to find that third star at either guard position or the small forward spot.
