2025 Regular Season Thread Vol. 8

[3ammy3uck3ts]

Suns are 26 - 28 with KD playing 41 games. He's putting up numbers but they're having no impact. Why would it be different here with lesser talent. I'll pass on KD. Especially if its costs Ware.

They’re 2-11 without KD, 24-17 with him not counting any other factors like Beal and Booker missing last nights game. That record has them at a win pace of the 6th seed in the west not far off of 4th. His numbers do have impact.

Owing mostly to their great start. They started like 12 -2. Since then they been aweful. He's missed some in that stretch but he has also played. They've lost the last 4 games he has played again. 2 of which are against Portland. And recent loss against Houston who are 3 -7 in last 10. This is nowhere near the impact of prime KD. You need him close to that version of that guy to be able to drag this team to be anywhere near competitive to Boston. Don't forget he lost to Celts 2 seasons ago with a better roster than the Heat have no way. And the celtics have gotten better.
Trade for KD does absolutely nothing except get us knocked out in 2nd round at best. To give up a 20 year 7 ft who can potentially space the floor and protect the rim and be able to use him to guard Wemby is short sighted and dumb.
You have to realize where you are. And where Heat are not close. When you are not close you don't throw away you few assets for a 36 year old to get to beat in 2nd round.

They were healthy early, haven’t been since.

We’ve done a lot better than the 2nd round with a worse
Player in Jimmy as our top guy. Who knows, maybe he’d be the first of a couple big moves to build a contender, we actually have assets for once.

I hope Ware lives up to your view of him

[Revived]

A lot of talk about a KD trade to Miami in the summer. Would yall do a Wiggins / Robinson/ Ware/ Jovic for KD type move? A big 3 of sorts with Bam/Herro/KD.

I would, can we swap Ware either Jaime and a 1st though?

What talk are you seeing?

It’s different players mentioned here but here’s where I saw the idea.

https://www.si.com/nba/heat/heat-predicted-to-cut-ties-with-andrew-wiggins-in-blockbuster-offseason-trade-for-194-million-superstar-01jm0whjt9dj

[dshearn]

They’re 2-11 without KD, 24-17 with him not counting any other factors like Beal and Booker missing last nights game. That record has them at a win pace of the 6th seed in the west not far off of 4th. His numbers do have impact.

Owing mostly to their great start. They started like 12 -2. Since then they been aweful. He's missed some in that stretch but he has also played. They've lost the last 4 games he has played again. 2 of which are against Portland. And recent loss against Houston who are 3 -7 in last 10. This is nowhere near the impact of prime KD. You need him close to that version of that guy to be able to drag this team to be anywhere near competitive to Boston. Don't forget he lost to Celts 2 seasons ago with a better roster than the Heat have no way. And the celtics have gotten better.
Trade for KD does absolutely nothing except get us knocked out in 2nd round at best. To give up a 20 year 7 ft who can potentially space the floor and protect the rim and be able to use him to guard Wemby is short sighted and dumb.
You have to realize where you are. And where Heat are not close. When you are not close you don't throw away you few assets for a 36 year old to get to beat in 2nd round.

They were healthy early, haven’t been since.

We’ve done a lot better than the 2nd round with a worse
Player in Jimmy as our top guy. Who knows, maybe he’d be the first of a couple big moves to build a contender, we actually have assets for once.

I hope Ware lives up to your view of him

I dunno man....

I think you are over valuing the impact of old KD. Forget for a second this would most likely be measured in "months" of potential. Like one...maybe two seasons of peak potential, but KD is going to be fading the entire time I would bet. One wrong injury at the wrong time and that "potential" run is over.

You can say that about almost all teams...one wrong injury and that season is over...the real difference is KD does not have many seasons left of being an impact guy. Team stumbles though a season or two of unfortunate injuries and the KD run is over.

KD might be a bigger impact then Jimmy, but it is also fair to say the teams between Miami and a return to the finals have ALSO gotten stronger.

There is a strong chance even a "perfect" version of Jimmy OR old KD is still not enough, and there is very little time to reload the roster to take another shot at the finals with either of them.

KD is an ultra limited time sensitive trade...

If it was my team, I would take those assets and build with people similar in age to Bam and use that longer time frame to make title runs.


I also think Oreon is right on the money with Ware. Wemby looks like he is going to be a future road block, the team has a player that.....so far..... seems to match up well. I would not trade him on a whim.

[3ballbomber]

Suns are 26 - 28 with KD playing 41 games. He's putting up numbers but they're having no impact. Why would it be different here with lesser talent. I'll pass on KD. Especially if its costs Ware.

They’re 2-11 without KD, 24-17 with him not counting any other factors like Beal and Booker missing last nights game. That record has them at a win pace of the 6th seed in the west not far off of 4th. His numbers do have impact.

Owing mostly to their great start. They started like 12 -2. Since then they been aweful. He's missed some in that stretch but he has also played. They've lost the last 4 games he has played again. 2 of which are against Portland. And recent loss against Houston who are 3 -7 in last 10. This is nowhere near the impact of prime KD. You need him close to that version of that guy to be able to drag this team to be anywhere near competitive to Boston. Don't forget he lost to Celts 2 seasons ago with a better roster than the Heat have no way. And the celtics have gotten better.
Trade for KD does absolutely nothing except get us knocked out in 2nd round at best. To give up a 20 year 7 ft who can potentially space the floor and protect the rim and be able to use him to guard Wemby is short sighted and dumb.
You have to realize where you are. And where Heat are not close. When you are not close you don't throw away you few assets for a 36 year old to get to beat in 2nd round.

I doubt we swing for the fences for a 36yo player like KD. Completely different timeline to the age & experience we have. Somebody like Mitchell was perfect for us. Ant, Booker etc wld be the sort of players we wld go all in & give up our young for. KD cld take us to the PO’s & a series or 2 not the big stage let alone the hardware.

[jbsays]

It's probably unlikely Ware ever makes an All NBA team or even an Allstar team, I could be wrong, Regardless, I don't see the Heat trading him because he's going to be on his rookie deal for next 3-4 years and the cap number slides in nicely next to 3 max guys.

Durant? I guess you figure if you can keep Bam, Herro, and Ware then you make the deal. But, outside of those 3 do the Heat have enough talent to get it done? Can they trade both of the first round picks in the deal? Realistically, how's his fit next to Bam? He isn't playing SF any more and you're back to Bam being an undersized center.

[marson]

It's probably unlikely Ware ever makes an All NBA team or even an Allstar team, I could be wrong, Regardless, I don't see the Heat trading him because he's going to be on his rookie deal for next 3-4 years and the cap number slides in nicely next to 3 max guys.

Durant? I guess you figure if you can keep Bam, Herro, and Ware then you make the deal. But, outside of those 3 do the Heat have enough talent to get it done? Can they trade both of the first round picks in the deal? Realistically, how's his fit next to Bam? He isn't playing SF any more and you're back to Bam being an undersized center.

No one anticipated Bam would become a 3-time All-Star. I’m confident that the Heat coaching staff will help Ware reach his full potential too, as long as injuries don’t hold him back.

He already has great touch around the rim, and his 3-point shooting percentage is bound to improve over the next few seasons. As he ages, his body will mature and become stronger.

Rebounding and boxing out should definitely be a focus for him in the offseason. His skill set is unique in the NBA, and the front office won’t part with him easily unless a tier 1 superstar is involved.

[greg4012]

A lot of talk about a KD trade to Miami in the summer. Would yall do a Wiggins / Robinson/ Ware/ Jovic for KD type move? A big 3 of sorts with Bam/Herro/KD.

Suns are 26 - 28 with KD playing 41 games. He's putting up numbers but they're having no impact. Why would it be different here with lesser talent. I'll pass on KD. Especially if its costs Ware.

Team defense rating:

Miami - 10th
Phoenix - 25th

Phoenix is 11th in offense rating. KD has the best ORTG and DRTG of the Phoenix starters

[Shootit]

I have to say unless KD forces his way here, I rather not trade away a sizeable young talent haul for him, even if those guys individually are a handful of spots below KD's level.

KD is going to be 37 next season. He may play till he's 40. But this isn't a 30 year old KD or even 33. Father time will come soon.
I don't think even with KD this is a 'chip team. Rather see them sort of falter this year, keep the 25 pick + GS pick, and just stocking young talent in hope of the next generation of stars may want to come here. Keep that slim hope alive Giannis is a possibility in 27, if not sooner if he wants out.

[greg4012]

I have to say unless KD forces his way here, I rather not trade away a sizeable young talent haul for him, even if those guys individually are a handful of spots below KD's level.

KD is going to be 37 next season. He may play till he's 40. But this isn't a 30 year old KD or even 33. Father time will come soon.
I don't think even with KD this is a 'chip team. Rather see them sort of falter this year, keep the 25 pick + GS pick, and just stocking young talent in hope of the next generation of stars may want to come here. Keep that slim hope alive Giannis is a possibility in 27, if not sooner if he wants out.

I feel similar. No to Ware for a short-term rental. Reluctantly willing to part with Jovic and 1 FRP plus expiring salary (and Jaime). However, I do think with KD next season this team can be as complete as any in the NBA.

Herro - Mitchell
Wiggins - Pelle/Burks
KD - Highsmith
Bam - Anderson/Keshad
Ware - Bam

Basically just missing one bench spark player. Kick the tires on oldman guards like Chris Paul, Westbrook, Dinwiddie?

Not mad at taking the shot if the price is right.

[DayofMourning]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42878313/nba-all-stars-2025-schedule-location-rosters-format-news

We have a couple guys participating in events and even have Tim Bug coaching.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

I don’t view KD as the final piece, you need KD and then 1 more guy just like we needed 1 more guy when we had Jimmy. I do feel good about guys wanting to come here and play though if we were to get KD. You have the USA guys in KD Bam and Spo recruiting (obviously Spo can’t do much) and I think they can get that extra guy. This would need to be quick turnaround though, the FO has to be locked in. No more of the “we owe it to these guys to run it back” you have to get the job done

[eddieheatfan]

Watch on YouTube

[carnageta]

I don't really mind these losses. We're not doing jack sht until we land another top-12 talent and I knew this when we traded Butler for Wiggins. I'm perfectly okay with the young guys getting burn (Jovic and Ware) while Herro and Bam each average 20+ points. There will be growing pains, the core of this team is very young. Herro is only 25 and he is going to go through stretches where he isn't shooting good, and he's going to have to learn how to break out of these funks - which will happen with time and experience.

We're a team that lost its best player (Jimmy) for a role-player in return. If you removed the best player off 20 other teams in the NBA, they'd be worse than us. There's only a handful of teams that can weather the storm of losing their best player and still being on pace to win 45+ games.

[carnageta]

I'm still hoping that Bam & Herro can secure a playoff spot for us. Would be great experience for the team. History has shown that our draft picks often turn out the best when they're in the 11-20 range, as opposed to the 1-10 range (sole exception being Dwyane Wade).

[3ammy3uck3ts]

I'm still hoping that Bam & Herro can secure a playoff spot for us. Would be great experience for the team. History has shown that our draft picks often turn out the best when they're in the 11-20 range, as opposed to the 1-10 range (sole exception being Dwyane Wade).

If the draft was today we’d be selecting 11 and 14, not bad and you have options to trade both to move up, trade both for a star, trade one keep one, etc. If we don’t get lucky in the lottery that is

[greg4012]

I don't really mind these losses. We're not doing jack sht until we land another top-12 talent and I knew this when we traded Butler for Wiggins. I'm perfectly okay with the young guys getting burn (Jovic and Ware) while Herro and Bam each average 20+ points. There will be growing pains, the core of this team is very young. Herro is only 25 and he is going to go through stretches where he isn't shooting good, and he's going to have to learn how to break out of these funks - which will happen with time and experience.

We're a team that lost its best player (Jimmy) for a role-player in return. If you removed the best player off 20 other teams in the NBA, they'd be worse than us. There's only a handful of teams that can weather the storm of losing their best player and still being on pace to win 45+ games.

This is my perspective. Young teams that are testing things out and developing talent usually aren't the ones that close out games strong (esp against the true contenders). Looking to hit benchmarks and see signs of growth throughout the season from critical youth pieces.

Unless Miami makes a big trade before then, everyone is auditioning for Miami to invest in them longer term. All of the talk about 2026 is really about that being a pivot point where the books get mostly cleared of bad multi-year deals that have been draining the roster construction (Duncan & Terry primarily).

Niko is extension eligible soon and Miami has team options for him through 2026. Will he earn long-term investment or be traded?

Will Jaime prove his worth for the Heat to extend or will he be shopped for trade?

Wiggins has a player option for the 2027 season for $30M. Considering he is about to turn 30, he has to have his sights set on securing another deal. To do so, he needs to play well. If he does, he will opt out in 2026 and Miami will have a decision to make. If he doesn't opt out, he will be an expiring reasonable contract that can be easily traded.

Tyler is eligible for an extension before the 2026 offseason. Will he earn another long-term investment or be traded?

Bam is really the only piece with true long term investment right now. Miami's posture with him will of course depend on his play, but also how the other domino pieces fall. If Miami has a shot at a star in their prime and make a big move for them (whether 2026 free agency or via trade before), then Bam is very likely with Miami throughout his contract and beyond.

The name of the game from now until the start of the 2026-2027 season is Optionality and Development. If an opportunity arises before the 2026 offseason, then the game may shift sooner. If no worthwhile opportunity presents itself between now and the start of the 2026-2027 offseason then Miami has some tougher decisions to make in terms of what to commit to for the next window of time.

Team building in the NBA is really always 3-5 year windows.

[al bondiga]

It's probably unlikely Ware ever makes an All NBA team or even an Allstar team, I could be wrong, Regardless, I don't see the Heat trading him because he's going to be on his rookie deal for next 3-4 years and the cap number slides in nicely next to 3 max guys.

Durant? I guess you figure if you can keep Bam, Herro, and Ware then you make the deal. But, outside of those 3 do the Heat have enough talent to get it done? Can they trade both of the first round picks in the deal? Realistically, how's his fit next to Bam? He isn't playing SF any more and you're back to Bam being an undersized center.

No one anticipated Bam would become a 3-time All-Star. I’m confident that the Heat coaching staff will help Ware reach his full potential too, as long as injuries don’t hold him back.

He already has great touch around the rim, and his 3-point shooting percentage is bound to improve over the next few seasons. As he ages, his body will mature and become stronger.

Rebounding and boxing out should definitely be a focus for him in the offseason. His skill set is unique in the NBA, and the front office won’t part with him easily unless a tier 1 superstar is involved.

I am also of the opinion that it is a bit uphill climb for ware to make an allstar... There are so many players are better than him.

But, but he's too young.
So it is up to him because spo is not known for the Developing Young talent.

ware Just has to become a solid starting piece and the let the chips fall where they may... Rebounder and blocker mostly

[greg4012]

It's probably unlikely Ware ever makes an All NBA team or even an Allstar team, I could be wrong, Regardless, I don't see the Heat trading him because he's going to be on his rookie deal for next 3-4 years and the cap number slides in nicely next to 3 max guys.

Durant? I guess you figure if you can keep Bam, Herro, and Ware then you make the deal. But, outside of those 3 do the Heat have enough talent to get it done? Can they trade both of the first round picks in the deal? Realistically, how's his fit next to Bam? He isn't playing SF any more and you're back to Bam being an undersized center.

No one anticipated Bam would become a 3-time All-Star. I’m confident that the Heat coaching staff will help Ware reach his full potential too, as long as injuries don’t hold him back.

He already has great touch around the rim, and his 3-point shooting percentage is bound to improve over the next few seasons. As he ages, his body will mature and become stronger.

Rebounding and boxing out should definitely be a focus for him in the offseason. His skill set is unique in the NBA, and the front office won’t part with him easily unless a tier 1 superstar is involved.

I am also of the opinion that it is a bit uphill climb for ware to make an allstar... There are so many players are better than him.

But, but he's too young.
So it is up to him because spo is not known for the Developing Young talent.

ware Just has to become a solid starting piece and the let the chips fall where they may... Rebounder and blocker mostly

Miami has drafted 6 players in the first round since 2017. Spo has developed 2 of those 6 FRPs to become All-Stars. I wonder if any coach in the NBA has matched or exceeded that number since 2017. If so, I wonder if anyone has matched that without having a top 10 pick among their drafted crop

Edit: quick research and the only other org that seems to have done it in that same timespan is Memphis with JJJ and Ja (both top 5 picks)

Almost:
- Minny with Ant & KAT (KAT drafted in 2015; both 1st overall picks)
- Toronto with FVV and Siakam (both drafted in 2016)

[MHeat0279]

Bam publicly calling out the coaches isn’t a good thing.. that is something that can be addressed privately, especially as the captain. to make it public, Bam is clearly tired of Spo’s sh*t.

if FO doesnt get Bam a real star the offseason and keep forcing the Tyler thing, Bam is gone. He has too many friends around the league to sit and rot with a bad coaching staff and a FO that believes Herro is a lead guy.

but but, Spo is the best coach in the league, how is it possible he dares to challenge Spo's coaching decisions?

[Hoops3355]

Niko needs to seriously figure out how to dunk. Bro misses so many points because this. Bro you are 6'10'' flush that s*** when you get your hand on the other side of the rim instead of letting these dudes smash your weak sauce layups.

Low key got me so HOT last night.

Other than that a season of growth and nurturing shall bear harvest next season. So can't get mad at the Ls.