Heat’s biggest offseason need becomes crystal clear amid struggles

As the Miami Heat continue to drop games, many in disheartening fashion and blown leads, they remain searching for answers. However, it is a safe bet to assume that the team’s issues need to be addressed externally with the help of Pat Riley. 

Since trading away Jimmy Butler, the Heat have limped to a 4-12 record in the first 16 games without him. Once viewed as an underdog squad that always had a chance against the best of the league, that feeling has vanished— and instead replaced with accepting mediocrity.

It’s been concerning, to say the least, considering that this current roster on paper has the talent to compete. 

Unfortunately, that has not been the product on the court. And the resolution is simple, although some patience from the fanbase will be necessary. 

The Miami Heat need another number one option capable of closing out games in the lineup.

As presently constructed, Miami has forced each of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to be number one and two options offensively. Despite both of them securing NBA All-Star nods in their young career, they are not ready just yet. All the losses have shown that. 

Instead, they pose as perfect number two and three options to supplement an established superstar. Butler’s absence has left a glaring hole in that notion. Now, there is nobody with winning experience to rely upon to step in clutch moments and propel them for a postseason run. 

However, this summer’s trade market should have a very attractive and recognizable name shake free: Kevin Durant. 

Miami and Durant have circled back on each other several times over the years, and there will assuredly be a plethora of mutual interest between each side once again during the offseason. 

The Durant era with the Phoenix Suns just has not worked, and it’s shown with the team’s underwhelming status in the Western Conference over the years. Prior to the 2025 trade deadline, it seemed like the partnership between each side reached its boiling point, as Phoenix went on to shop the future Hall of Famer without his consent. 

Ultimately, it seems like a matter of time until it completely boils over. And Riley will have a golden opportunity to swoop in for yet another disgruntled star, giving Miami one last championship window before the legendary team president hangs it up.

A Heat core that has featured the Herro and Adebayo duo has made plenty of postseason noise in recent years, including three deep runs in a five-year span. 

The possibilities of replacing Butler as the number one option with a generational talent like Durant is too juicy to pass up. Even at the age of 36 years old, he has not shown any sort of decline. The 6-foot-11 forward is still playing at an ALL-NBA level— currently putting up averages of 27 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 stocks on elite 53/41/83 shooting splits. 

Does Riley have one more blockbuster acquisition left in him? Only time will tell, but Durant ending his legendary career in sunny South Florida makes too much sense.