After being swept in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Miami Heat are expected to make significant changes this summer. Pat Riley will undoubtedly want to chase a new marquee name to help boost interest in the franchise.
However, the Heat could be better served by taking a more cautious approach. In his June 2 offseason preview of the Heat, Spotrac’s cap expert, Keith Smith, detailed why taking a gap year could set Miami up for long-term success.
“They could reasonably hit the summer of 2026 with $30 or $40 million in cap space, with the potential for even more,” Smith explained. “Obviously, if the Heat swing a star trade this offseason, that changes everything. Either way, they’re set up with pretty good flexibility no matter which direction they go.”
Smith continued.
“That means this might be another down year. Given Miami owns its own first-round pick free and clear in the 2026 draft, it might not be a bad time to have a gap year. Then, the Heat can get back to work with cap space and a good pick in the summer of 2026.”
Riley isn’t known for his patience. However, having the flexibility to revamp the roster in one summer will likely be enticing. Unfortunately, the front office may not be sold on another season of struggle. Furthermore, Erik Spoelstra would likely prefer to be coaching a team capable of contending.
Heat Seen as a Realistic Landing Spot for Durant
During a recent episode of the Zach Lowe Show, the long-time NBA analyst cited Miami as a logical landing spot for Kevin Durant.
“This is a team that does not react well from being this far from the bar, and so I’m expecting a big offseason for them,” Lowe said. “I don’t know what form that’s going to take. I think they’ll try to butt into any superstar trade conversations that come up. They’ve got stuff, just not that much stuff. They can trade two first-round picks right now, [and] on draft night they can trade a third. If the Giannis thing actually comes to bear, I just don’t see how they have any shot in hell at getting into that. Durant is much more realistic to me.”
Durant would instantly put the Heat back in contention in the Eastern Conference. Nevertheless, Riley would need to add more depth to the roster. Otherwise, the Heat could still fall short in the postseason.
Whether Riley would choose to go down the superstar route, rather than play the long game, remains to be seen.
Riley Could Prefer Short-Term Success
Riley’s tenure with the Heat is undoubtedly coming to a close. He is already 80 years old. As such, he’s likely to prefer a shot at immediate success, rather than playing the long-game and building for the future.
If that is the case, then embracing a potential gap year could be a non-starter. However, if Riley is making decisions based on his remaining time with the Heat, rather than what’s best for the franchise, then maybe it’s time he steps down.
After all, one more bad year isn’t a steep price to pay. Not when the result means significant cap space to re-tool in 2026.
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