Miami Heat navigate 2024-25 offseason post-Butler, eyeing DeMar DeRozan to team with Adebayo & Herro. Pat Riley seeks major upgrades. Read more!
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The dust has settled on the 2024-25 season, and for the Miami Heat, the offseason is already in full swing with major questions looming. Following the blockbuster February trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State, the Heat are navigating a critical transition, desperately seeking a new star to pair with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Whispers are growing louder, with Sacramento's DeMar DeRozan reportedly high on Miami's trade target list as Pat Riley looks to make immediate upgrades.
Losing Games 3 and 4 [to the Cavaliers] by a combined 92 points—an NBA record for margin in a series.
The departure of Jimmy Butler has undeniably left a gaping hole in Miami's offensive firepower and clutch leadership. While Tyler Herro led the team in scoring during the 2024-25 campaign, establishing himself as a consistent primary option remains a work in progress. Now, reports indicate the Heat are aggressively pursuing Sacramento Kings All-Star DeMar DeRozan. This signals a clear intent from the front office to bring in established talent, with expectations that not all of Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and Andrew Wiggins will return next season to facilitate such a move. Pat Riley's fingerprints will undoubtedly be all over any significant trade discussions.
The 2024-25 season was a bitter pill for Heat Nation. Finishing 10th in the East with a 37-45 record, Miami made NBA history by escaping the play-in as the No. 10 seed, only to face a brutal reality. The Cleveland Cavaliers handed them a swift 4-0 series sweep in the first round, punctuated by an ignominious NBA record: losing Games 3 and 4 by a combined 92 points. This disappointing exit meant the Heat lost their own lottery-protected pick, further underscoring the need for impactful offseason acquisitions.
Armed with the 20th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft (acquired from the Warriors in the Butler deal), the Heat aren't content to stand pat. Rumors are swirling about potential trade-up scenarios, with the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Portland Trail Blazers mentioned as possible partners. Prospects like Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois) and Egor Demin (BYU) are reportedly on Miami's radar if they can move higher. One intriguing proposal involves sending Duncan Robinson and the 20th pick to the Spurs for the 14th pick and veteran Harrison Barnes, a move that could provide both draft capital and immediate wing depth.
Despite the team's overall struggles, there were some individual performances of note. Tyler Herro led the team in scoring, averaging 110.3 points per game as a team on 45.8% shooting. Young talents like Jaime Jaquez Jr. (8.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.5 APG) and Kel'el Ware (9.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG on 55.4% FG) showed promise. However, the search for consistent offensive production post-Butler was evident, and the Heat will need more than just internal development to climb back into contention.
The Miami Heat are at a pivotal juncture. With Pat Riley at the helm, expect an aggressive offseason filled with strategic moves. Whether it's a blockbuster trade for a player like DeMar DeRozan, a bold move up the draft board, or shrewd free-agent signings, one thing is certain: the Heat are not content with a rebuild and will fight to remain a force in the Eastern Conference. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the team's future.
