The Miami Heat have relatively sat on the sidelines so far this offseason, but they may have a huge decision to make in the next few days (or week) that could go a long way in defining their immediate future. If the recent rumblings (and in reading between the lines) are any indication, the Heat may have to make a big decision on whether or not they're going to pursue former All-Star Bradley Beal.
It's already been reported that the Phoenix Suns are exploring the possibility of buying out the remainder of Beal's contract, and Heat reporter Barry Jackson gave a not-so-subtle hint on Twitter (or X) over the weekend that should perk up the ears of fans.
In a now-deleted post, Jackson suggested that it would be wise for the Heat to make a roster spot for an opportunity to add a "good" player that could be arising soon. Putting two and two together, Jackson was probably hinting at the idea of Beal getting bought out soon and hitting the free-agent market.
I'll delete because some people cannot deal with incremental information when I'm not at liberty to give full information https://t.co/YvLFefU54f
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 6, 2025
This is what makes most sense. Unless there's another veteran star player that is about to get bought out, Beal is probably the player that Jackson was hinting at. It can't be a trade, considering they wouldn't need to necessarily create a roster spot. The question is, should the Heat pursue Beal?
Should the Heat pursue Beal?
This is a lot more difficult to answer than most are willing to admit. On one hand, this is a move that won't help the idea of the Heat leaning into their young core. On the other hand, this is a move that could help the Heat get better, even if it is incrementally, this season.
Knowing the way the Heat operates, would they be willing to push back against the temptation of a veteran addition? I'm not sure if they are. Even though Beal is not going to push this team to championship contention, there's reason to believe that he could provide the offensive punch that this team desperately lacked last season.
Beal may be more of a stopgap than a long-term answer, but when has the Heat opposed the stopgap options in the past? Maybe the Heat has truly turned a new leaf in the front office and is genuinely willing to pivot young, but I have to see it to believe it.
Make no mistake, the Heat will be linked to Beal (if he does end up hitting the free-agent market), and they'll have to make a big decision that will have a huge hand in their immediate future.