The Miami Heat clearly have some extremely difficult decisions on their hands heading into the NBA offseason, but it's important that they don't balk on any of these fronts. In many ways, their future could very well depend on what happens on several of these fronts.
As we inch closer and closer to the offseason, there are six decisions that may seem difficult on the surface that the Heat simply can't hesitate on.
Sign Norman Powell to an extension, only if a star is acquired first
Before the offseason even arrives, the Heat needs to make one thing clear. They can only sign Norman Powell to a contract extension if a star player is acquired first. That's something that the front office has to understand before the summer arrives.
Even though this is a move that historically runs against how the Heat has done business in the past, this could very well be for the best. The last thing the Heat needs is to lock themselves into an extension with a player who would only make sense on a contending team.
Don't trade this year's lottery pick
No matter what, it'd be best if the Heat didn't trade their lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. If there are any exceptions, it probably revolves around a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Short of that, though, this year's pick, whether the Heat are able to move up in the lottery or not, could prove to play a big part in the team's future.
In what is being described as a strong draft class, the Heat can't afford to punt on an asset unless it nets them a franchise cornerstone. In all likelihood, the Heat need to prioritize developing this upcoming lottery prospect.
Only sign Jaime Jaquez Jr. to an extension if Nikola Jovic is traded
As much as Jaime Jaquez Jr. may have already earned a contract extension from the Heat, they're not necessarily in a position to give him one. And their miscalculation with Nikola Jovic is a big reason why.
Because of that, the only way the Heat can sign Jaquez Jr. to an early contract extension is if Jovic is traded. The Heat can't afford to have the same situation play out with Jaquez Jr. Unfortunately, that means holding off on an extension if they have to.
Sign a real two-way impact player with the MLE
For the first time in years, the Heat will have its full mid-level non-taxpayer's exception to work with this offseason. That will open the door for the Heat to make a significant signing. Depending on other moves in free agency, the Heat could sign a player up to $15 million per season with this exception.
That could open the door to being a second-tier player heading into the start of the free agency period. With this exception, the Heat should explore signing a real two-way impact player. One that comes to mind, that would make a lot of sense schematically, is Peyton Watson.
Whether the Heat will be able to afford him with just the exception remains to be seen, but he should absolutely be on their radar.
Trade Tyler Herro
Look, this should take away from anything that Tyler Herro has accomplished during the first few years of his career in Miami. He's still a good player, but the Heat and Herro have slowly drifted apart over the last year.
Assuming that the Heat aren't planning to extend Herro to a contract extension, it only makes sense for Miami to trade him now. Objectively, it's probably the best course of action for the Heat heading into the summer.
Whether it's as part of a star player or not, Herro can't be on this roster at the start of next season. It's time for both sides to move on. And I'm sure if both sides are being honest, this is probably long overdue.
If no star is acquired, tear down the roster even more
This may be the most important decision that the Heat needs to make this summer. And it's the idea that if the Heat doesn't acquire a star player this offseason, they should look to tear down the roster even more.
I'm not sure if the Heat needs to pivot to an all-out rebuild, but it wouldn't be the worst decision in the world. If the Heat aren't going to make a strong return to relevance next season, it's probably best that they cut some fat off this roster this summer.
If no star is coming, another "gap" year just wouldn't make a ton of sense for the Heat. Tearing down the roster would effectively help the Heat avoid that.
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