SF: Jaylen Brown
Could the Heat steal Jaylen Brown from the rival Celtics to replace Jimmy Butler? Butler is a star and a hard worker but has a lengthy injury history. Miami does not want to be counting on him playing like a superstar at age 39 with 17 years in the NBA under his belt. Butler could be on the roster as a bench player, but he would have to do it at a steep discount.
Brown has been in the trade rumors for stars multiple times, but his new supermax contract changes things. He is set to make $65.6 million in the 2028-29 season, which will scare some teams away. Brown was third-team All-NBA in 2023 but has his warts. The Heat want star talent, and JB could be available at a discount given his massive contract.
Brown will turn 32 just before training camp begins in 2028 and should still be in his prime. He must improve his left hand and shoot consistently from long range, but the best should still be to come. Brown could be a star in Miami as he helps their Big 3 stay in contention.
If the Miami Heat are going to have three stars, they will need Jaylen Brown and Damian Lillard to both come via trade at relative discounts. It will also push the franchise to find more diamonds in the rough and develop talent from within.