RealGM

The Miami Heat are attempting to position themselves to have max cap space during the 2026 offseason. Miami has only $85 million committed for the 26-27 season against a projected salary cap of $170.6 million.

Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson are among the current players on the Heat who will come off their books that offseason. 

Many of these players will sign extensions before 2026, but among the currently projected free agents are Luka Doncic, De'Aaron Fox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaren Jackson Jr., Kevin Durant and Mikal Bridges.

Fewer players have left their teams via free agency in recent seasons with Paul George being a lone exception. Miami, however, acquired Jimmy Butler when he was a free agent but they did so as a sign-and-trade without any cap space.

Miami's plans for 2026 are factoring into their decision-making as they evaluate Butler trade options as they do not want to take back long-term salary.

Via Barry Jackson/Miami Herald

That means they are willing to take on salary for next season just not the season after so if you have draft capital and players expiring the season after you can get in on Butler.