The Miami Heat can’t compete as constructed, but Trae Young could be the next star Pat Riley lands. The four-time All-Star is in the final year of his contract and has no clarity on his future. Miami is always hunting for the next marquee name, and fans have heard the links. All the Heat must do is offer a package the Hawks can’t refuse.
Miami is light on draft capital, and the Hawks improved their roster this offseason. If both teams have their eyes on contending, this package likely centers more on talent that can help Atlanta win games. The Heat have several tradeable contracts and could make things interesting for the Hawks.
Young is an elite playmaker, and the Heat’s urgency may have ramped up with Tyler Herro’s injury. Could Miami make the stunning September trade this year like the Knicks did for Karl-Anthony Towns last year? This package may just get it done.
Heat trade package for Trae Young that the Hawks can’t refuse
Miami should send out Herro in this trade because there is no workable solution for a Young and Herro backcourt. Both are problematic defenders with size issues. Herro was an All-Star in 2025 and makes this trade immediately plausible.
The Hawks will want more, especially to uproot their current roster. They likely ask for a bucket-getter and a couple of draft picks. Miami counters with one first and a second plus two role players to make the transaction work.
Ice Trae may be the perfect point guard to unlock Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. The Heat also keep Nikola Jovic, Davion Mitchell, and Andrew Wiggins out of this trade. They would have a couple of first-round swaps to make another transaction, but Mitchell and Young create a formidable backcourt that gives the Heat new life.
Nobody thought Miami would make two NBA Finals with Jimmy Butler leading their charge. It is a credit to what a top-end talent can do in Heat Culture. Young may be the next beneficiary as head coach Erik Spoelstra finds every way to maximize his skill set.
This is a significant haul, and the Heat must come with an agreement on a long-term extension with Trae Young. Miami is not risking their 2030 first-round pick for one season with the All-Star guard.
Tyler Herro and Norman Powell can be bucket-getters in Atlanta, but the Hawks would be searching for a long-term answer at point guard after this trade. It ensues they get a haul back for Young and allows the franchise to build around Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher.
This would be a bold trade, but Pat Riley is no stranger to making those. It is his chance to get Trae Young on a discount and get closer to contention. Miami Heat fans may have second thoughts, but they shouldn't. If Riley does it, supporters can trust it was the right move. They just need to wait for him to act.