Over the last few months, it's become quite clear that the Miami Heat is building toward something big in 2026. If the recent rumors are any indication, though, it's safe to assume those plans won't revolve around a potential pursuit of Luka Doncic. It appears as if the Heat's Luka pipe dreams may be over before they even began.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, both the Lakers and Luka are operating as if their futures are intertwined with each other. At least for now, the overwhelming expectation is that Luka, at some point after he becomes extension eligible on August 2, is going to re-up with the Lakers.
Even though that doesn't completely tank the Heat's big plans for 2026, it certainly hurts the team's chances of making the type of move that would alter their future. Luka was just one of the potential superstar players that could end up hitting the open market, but there's no question he was probably the biggest.
What other stars could be on the Heat's radar?
It's hard to predict what other players could end up being on the Heat's radar, but Trae Young and De'Aaron Fox are two names who could be of interest. Both are eligible to sign an extension this offseason, but if they don't, for one reason or another, they'll likely be names the Heat could target.
Again, free agency is not what it was 10 years ago, and if the Heat are going to acquire a star, it's almost certainly going to happen via trade.
Because of this new era of player movement, no one superstar could be off-limits. That's why a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo could be another pipe dream target for the Heat too.
All in all, the Heat's biggest goal between now and next offseason revolves around flexibility.
The Heat's next move to watch for
Obviously, the next big move to watch for this summer is Tyler Herro's extension. Herro becomes extension eligible on October 1, and while there seems to be some momentum brewing toward the two sides waiting until after next season to negotiate, it's certainly one thing to keep a close eye on.
I'm sure there will be some discussions between the two sides even if they decide to table a final decision. But if the Heat wants to retain ultimate financial flexibility, it's probably best for them to wait on offering Herro an extension.
Whether that will be the case remains to be seen, but it does seem like the more logical path forward.
As the Heat continues to position itself for a big 2026 offseason, there are certainly several names that they'll be linked to over the next few months. Luka, unfortunately, especially if the recent rumors are any indication, appears to be one that is probably going to be out of their reach.