It's official: Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be saving the Miami Heat from a play-in or first-round playoff exit. At least, not this season. For next season, however, the Giannis dream in Miami isn't completely dead, if that's what Heat fans are waiting for.
Miami has been linked to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar for almost the entire season thus far, but Pat Riley has had his eyes on Giannis for a couple of years now. It's no secret that Riley would love to bring the Greek Freak to South Beach, but it didn't happen this time around, leaving the Heat right square in the same position they were before the deadline.
Is that all bad? Maybe not, at least for the long-term. Short term, on the other hand, the Heat will struggle to make any sort of relevant playoff noise this coming Spring, because, as currently constructed, they simply don't have enough. That's a present problem, and while the roster remains intact, you can bet that that will change this summer, as at least three Heat players' futures could be in jeopardy.
Kel'el Ware should expect to be moved this offseason should the Heat pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo or another star player, but he's not the only one
Kel'el Ware
Giving up on a young talent such as Ware might not be easy for the Heat. On the other hand, it could be worth it if the return is high enough. Ware has struggled to stay on Erik Spoelstra's good side this season, and not only has his production been inconsistent, but Ware has been benched more than once.
Ware, obviously, still has a big upside, not mention that he's young and stands tall as a solid center. Other teams that would consider making a summer trade with Miami could target Ware in exchange, and given how this season has gone for him, Miami might actually find it easy to move on.
Tyler Herro
Given his injury history, his current rash of injuries, and his name popping up in trade rumors for a couple of years now, Tyler Herro might be the most obvious trade chip the Heat have at their disposal this summer. Despite his injuries, Herro is an excellent scorer who has averaged just below 20 points per game for his career (19.4), and any team can use that level of production.
Herro's game of late, though, has been stymied by injuries and an inability to stay on the floor. This season, it shouldn't be surprising that his trade value took a bit of a tumble, but that doesn't mean that perception will translate into the offseason all the same. Herro is on the edge of playing his last season in Miami, and if the Heat swing big this summer, Herro is likely to be involved.
Andrew Wiggins
The former Golden State Warriors champion has played relatively well for the Heat in his first season with them. Still, Andrew Wiggins isn't untouchable, and drew some interest in the trade winds this season, particularly from the Los Angeles Lakers. Nothing ever materialized, though, but Wiggins' future in Miami has the feel of a short-lived stint.
Wiggins will have his suitors this offseason, as he is still a significantly effective player. The Heat are almost assuredly going hunting this summer, and Wiggins would be a player they can use to bargain with. He is not an unrestricted free agent this summer, but he has a player option for the 2026-27 season worth over $30 million.