The Miami Heat have quietly evolved into one of the best possible destinations for a star player looking for a fresh start. In many ways, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and his rise this season are one of the bigger reasons why.
Jaquez Jr. is just one of the Heat's handful of young players who have a bright future, one of whom is also playing on an incredibly team-friendly contract. Jaquez Jr. specifically is still on his rookie-scale contract and appears to be enjoying a real breakout season.
Averaging 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game on a scorching 61 percent shooting from the field, Jaquez Jr. is certainly changing the math of the Heat's future. But this team's impressive young depth goes well beyond just Jaquez Jr.
The combination of Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Kel'el Ware, Pelle Larsson, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Davion Mitchell represents one of the most cost-effective cores in the league. If the Heat wants, they could pick between Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, add a disgruntled superstar looking for a fresh start, and they'd be cooking with fire.
The Heat have been careful in their pursuit for another star
Even when Jimmy Butler was still on the roster, the Heat have clearly been careful in their pursuit of another star player. In fact, the Heat weren't even willing to go all-in for Kevin Durant during the offseason. Now that they appear to be preparing for another star pursuit, it does seem as if the Heat will be waiting for the right opportunity.
There are a few players who would theoretically be on their radar, but it's far from a certainty they'd be all-in on those potential pursuits. Ja Morant and Trae Young are two star players who are likely going to hit the trade block next. However, there's no certainty that the Heat feels either of those players will be the right fit.
But despite the Heat's slow burn in their pursuit of their next star player, it doesn't change the fact that they continue to be an ideal destination for a star player looking fr
Whether the reset of the league is willing to admit it or not, the Heat franchise is a sleeping giant. And all they truly need to reawaken in the Eastern Conference is a star player. Unfortunately for the rest of the league, they may finally be positioned - and equipped - with the right supporting cast. Once the Heat get a superstar player, this is a team that is going to leap back into championship contention, right where they belong.