After the Utah Jazz leapfrogged the Miami Heat to grab Walter Clayton Jr., it wasn't all gloom and doom for Miami. The Heat opted to pivot and grab Kasparas Jakucionis, who many were shocked was still available at No. 20.
Now that Miami was able to draft a playmaking point guard in the draft, their pathway forward is an all-too-obvious move to acquire (via sign-and-trade) Jonathan Kuminga from Golden State.
Miami's next move is clear after draft night
By standing pat and not getting too fancy, Miami was able to let Jakucionis fall to them after countless mock drafts had him going as a sure lottery pick.
Now, with a potential backcourt that can allow Jakucionis to distribute to Tyler Herro and a backcourt that has Kel'el Ware and Bam Adebayo, the Heat have some clarity as to what they need to add in free agency.
ESPN's Shams Charania pointed out during draft coverage that Miami might have Kuminga in their crosshairs:
"One name to keep an eye on that I'm told [the Miami Heat] are expected to be a potential suitor for is Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga."
Kuminga is just 22 years old but already has four years in the NBA under his belt. He is coming off back-to-back seasons averaging over 15 points a game with a career field goal percentage over 50%.
He did miss some time during the 2024-25 campaign due to an ankle injury, but he came back for the playoffs and averaged over 15 points per game during the playoffs.
One of the reasons why Kuminga is not expected to resign from Golden State is that he wants an opportunity for an expanded role, and he would get that in Miami. He's been stuck in a logjam in Golden State, and even though he can score 15+ off the bench, he has only started 84 of his career 258 games.
He's the type of building block player the Heat need and would give Miami a young core it can build with while still being competitive for the 2025-26 season.