The Miami Heat have opened the season 1–1, showing flashes of what could be once the roster fully settles and Tyler Herro returns. But one analyst believes there’s still room for another move — one that could reshape Miami’s ceiling.
In a new report for Bleacher Report, Greg Swartz floated the idea of the Heat pursuing Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors.
Why Kuminga Could Be a Fit in Miami
Swartz named one trade target for every team and pegged Kuminga as the ideal fit for Miami. Despite earning a starting role in Golden State, the forward’s future remains uncertain given the Warriors’ cap situation and roster balance.
“Expect Kuminga to still get moved at some point this season,” Swartz wrote. “Playing 6’6″, 35-year-old Draymond Green at center full-time isn’t a realistic long-term solution. Teams know this and will continue to call about Kuminga.”
For Miami, the appeal is obvious. Kuminga embodies the “Heat DNA” — athletic, physical, and still on the rise. He averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds last season while shooting 45% from the field and showing defensive versatility that fits seamlessly into Erik Spoelstra’s system.
Next to Bam Adebayo, his slashing, transition play, and ability to guard multiple positions would fill a clear need in Miami’s forward rotation.
How He Fits Into the Heat’s Depth Chart
Miami’s roster already includes Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and Simone Fontecchio, alongside veterans Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell, and Davion Mitchell.
Kuminga would bring a jolt of athleticism and youth without sacrificing Spoelstra’s trademark physicality. He’s young enough to develop, ready enough to contribute, and versatile enough to slot into multiple lineups.
What a Potential Trade Could Look Like
A possible framework that’s been floated involves Wiggins heading back to Golden State — a move that would help the Warriors match salaries and bring back a familiar face from their 2022 championship core.
However, Golden State may hesitate to move Kuminga so early in the season. He’s started strong through three games and continues to look like one of their most promising young pieces.
Should the Warriors open talks, Miami could consider including one of its young assets like Jović or Jaquez, or even a future first-round pick. It would be a bold play, but not an unfamiliar one for Pat Riley, who’s never shied away from a calculated risk when a player fits Miami’s mold.
The Bigger Picture for the Heat
For the Heat, Kuminga represents both present and future upside. Pairing him with Adebayo and Herro — would give Miami the flexibility to stay competitive now while building long-term stability on the wings.
Whether the Warriors actually entertain calls for Kuminga remains uncertain, but it’s the type of deal that makes basketball sense for both sides: a rising forward with elite athleticism in exchange for win-now value.
It’s speculative, but for a Heat team still searching for its full identity early in the season, a move like this could be the spark that puts them back in the Eastern Conference race.
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