As we covered in a previous article, the Heat started a new era by trading away Jimmy Butler. Unfortunately, the rest of the season didn’t go well. The Heat finished with a 37-45 record and the Cavaliers swept them in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. Additionally, the Heat missed out on Kevin Durant as the Suns traded him to the Rockets. Without further ado, let’s discuss this and the Heat’s next moves in our Heat 2025 offseason part 1 article.
Heat 2025 Offseason Part 1: Why Couldn’t the Heat Acquire Durant?
Many fans criticize the Miami Heat for their recent failures to acquire star players. In the wake of Durant going to the Rockets, these criticisms resurfaced. However, this time, those complaints might be slightly unfair.
The Rockets made an offer for Durant that the Heat couldn’t match. This included the 10th pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. Additionally, trading for Durant would have no purpose if doing so depleted the team so much it had no chance of competing. However, the frustration is understandable.
Heat fans want the team to make a major trade in order to improve. This is clearly necessary. Now that we’ve covered why the Heat couldn’t trade for Durant, let’s move onto what the team could do moving forward.
Re-Signing Davion Mitchell Is a Priority
Acquiring Davion Mitchell was a move that went under the radar. However, it worked out very well for the Heat. Additionally, Mitchell played well for the Heat and helped the team qualify for the playoffs.
As such, re-signing him is essential. Thankfully, reports indicate that negotiations are progressing well on that front. Hopefully, Davion Mitchell stays with the Heat.
Heat 2025 Offseason Part 1: Trade for a Different Star
Kevin Durant is off the table, but there are other star players the Heat could acquire. Trae Young is one such player. The Hawks haven’t enjoyed much playoff success with Young at the helm aside from a run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals.
Trae Young would noticeably improve the Heat’s offense and slot in as the team’s starting point guard immediately. Young has defensive limitations, but the Heat could mitigate that. In any case, it is clear that the Heat need to trade for a star player before next season begins.
We Will Provide Weekly Heat Articles Throughout the Offseason
This is part one of our coverage of the Miami Heat’s 2025 offseason. We will publish weekly Heat articles throughout the offseason. Check back next week for the next article as the Heat navigate a crucial offseason.