1 Dream, 1 Reach and 1 Realistic Offseason Target for the Miami Heat

Summertime for the Miami Heat is whale-hunting season. Even as Pat Riley and Co. have struck out on potential deals for Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell over the years, they make sure they are at least mentioned as a landing spot for almost every disgruntled star on the move.

This summer will be no different. Already the Heat have been linked to Mitchell and figure to factor in rumors for other stars who could be traded. 

But if the Heat have learned anything, it’s that simply being mentioned as a destination means nothing. Dreams for Lillard, Durant and Mitchell were all dashed for various reasons. 

What Miami didn’t have last summer, as it waited on a resolution on Lillard, was a backup plan. And so the Heat ran back their roster and toiled through a disappointing season that ended with a quick first-round exit after 2023’s Finals run.

The Heat need to make improvements to the roster and this summer’s most obvious target is likely Mitchell. But what are some other, perhaps more realistic options the Heat could acquire if Mitchell resigns with the Cleveland Cavaliers or is traded elsewhere?

Outlining one dream, one reach and one realistic free agency target for the Miami Heat in a pivotal offseason for the franchise.

Because we’ve covered Mitchell so much here already, we’re going to explore some other names the Heat could pursue. Let's look at one dream offseason target for the Heat, another target who may be out of their budget and a realistic acquisition to help fill a team need.