Major changes could be coming to the Miami Heat.
The Heat started the 2025-2026 NBA season as one of the top teams in the NBA, sitting at 14-7 and in third place in the Eastern Conference.
Following five straight losses, including three by double digits, the Heat have dropped down to ninth in the conference. Pat Riley and the front office could be tempted to make a trade for more star power.
Trade rumors aren’t new for the Heat. They are often named in potential trade scenarios for superstars.
Just this season, reports have linked the Heat to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report has revealed what the top assets Miami holds are in a potential in-season trade.
The Miami Heat Could Move Young, Potential Stars
GettyKel’el Ware could be on the move if the Heat makes a trade.
Kel’el Ware would likely be the centerpiece for any team that might facilitate a trade with the Miami Heat.
The second-year center out of Indiana University has shown promise. In an eight-game stretch from November 10 to November 24, Ware finished with seven double-doubles.
He averaged 15.9 points per game and 15.1 rebounds per game over those eight games. He’s No. 8 in rebounds per game over the season with 10.2 per game.
Ware’s primary issue early in his career has been staying consistent. During Miami’s five-game skid, Ware has only finished with 10 or more points once, and he’s only finished with 10 or more rebounds twice.
Additionally, there is a large gap in Ware’s production in games that he starts and games in which he comes off the bench.
Ware has finished with a double-double five times as a starter, compared to just two games with a double-double when coming off the bench.
Despite Ware’s inconsistency, there’s a lot to like. As the site says: “His threes are falling and his defensive instincts seem better.”
Favale also named the Heat’s 2025-2026 first-round pick Kasparas Jakucionis as a “top asset” for a team looking to trade with the Heat.
After suffering a right groin strain that sidelined Jakucionis for the start of the season, he hasn’t been able to work his way into the Heat’s rotation.
The rookie from Illinois has only played in one game so far in his early career, playing for one minute of a 140-123 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. He finished with zero points on 0-2 shooting.
It’s largely unknown how Jakucionos’ career will play out, but the young guard was considered a top playmaking prospect coming out of college.
The Heat Could Move Draft Capital
Much has been said about the Heat’s draft after dealing a lottery-protected 2027 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the trade for Terry Rozier.
Despite not having many draft assests, the Heat could potentially move their 2030 first-round pick.
As the site says: “The Miami Heat can deal a 2029 first-rounder, conditional upon next year’s obligation to the Charlotte Hornets expiring.
“Kicking the can to 2030 allows them to guarantee the pick.”
The Heat’s limited draft capital means that a potential trade for Antetokounmpo or Morant would be a high-risk, high-reward move.
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