2025 Miami Heat Regular Season Thread

[Wiltside]

Riley wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on that deal. And he shouldn't.

You go all in on a Bam/Giannis frontcourt, find the right pieces around them over the coming years to flourish.

If you assume the deal is Herro, Ware, Jaime, Rozier's contract (pending NBA approval) and picks for Giannis and Portis.

PG - Mitchell / Smith / Jakucionois
SG - Powell / Larsson
SF - Wiggins / Fontecchio
PF - Giannis / Jovic / Johnson
C - Adebayo / Portis

That's a solid lineup that would have a real chance to come out of the East. If we could keep Kasparas out of the deal too, that'd obviously be ideal, but I think you'd have to assume Ware, Herro and Jaime are goners if we're going for it.

[CWebb2491]

Herro (hometown ALL STAR under 26/ merchandise mover)
Ware (insane potential)
Jaquez (has shown he can be a quality starter and would be GREAT if he develops a 3ball)
Kasparas (insane potential on a new rookie deal)
2 future 1sts
Fillers

Is as good an offer as any. I think we get our whale this time.

Bam
Gianni
Wiggins
Powell
Mitchell

Would run the East for the next 2/3 years EASILY

[marson]

Having Powell made Herro expendable and as much I like growth here, you go all in for a Giannis type of player.

Would also hate losing Ware and Jaquez in the process.

[Flash4thewin]

Riley wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on that deal. And he shouldn't.

You go all in on a Bam/Giannis frontcourt, find the right pieces around them over the coming years to flourish.

If you assume the deal is Herro, Ware, Jaime, Rozier's contract (pending NBA approval) and picks for Giannis and Portis.

PG - Mitchell / Smith / Jakucionois
SG - Powell / Larsson
SF - Wiggins / Fontecchio
PF - Giannis / Jovic / Johnson
C - Adebayo / Portis

That's a solid lineup that would have a real chance to come out of the East. If we could keep Kasparas out of the deal too, that'd obviously be ideal, but I think you'd have to assume Ware, Herro and Jaime are goners if we're going for it.

Let’s be real here, we don’t play Bam and Ware together so why would anyone think Spo would play Giannis and Bam together? That’s not even factoring the Bucks will want Bam.

To not get laughed out of the room and still keep us in contention we will have to offer up Bam, Herro and Ware.
Herro is replaced by Powell
Bam is replaced by an MVP in Giannis
We don’t even start Ware or play him extended mins.

The team would be full of two way players. It would have that Heat defensive identity.

Pg Mitchell
Sg Powell
Sf Wiggins
PF Jovic
C Giannis
With Jamie off the bench.

That team with Spo easily makes the Eastern Finals. Fill out the rest of the roster with vet min player and undrafted athletic defensive players. We still get to use Terry for another trade.

Bonus we lose player fans in the trade so it’s a win win. With Herro Bam and Ware the Bucks have a core that should keep them in striking distance of the play in so they can sell that to the fans and Bam and Ware are locked up since it’s hard for them to attract player because of location. This is assuming we can even convince Giannis to come here, it looks like he has his eyes set on the Knicks.

[marson]

Riley wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on that deal. And he shouldn't.

You go all in on a Bam/Giannis frontcourt, find the right pieces around them over the coming years to flourish.

If you assume the deal is Herro, Ware, Jaime, Rozier's contract (pending NBA approval) and picks for Giannis and Portis.

PG - Mitchell / Smith / Jakucionois
SG - Powell / Larsson
SF - Wiggins / Fontecchio
PF - Giannis / Jovic / Johnson
C - Adebayo / Portis

That's a solid lineup that would have a real chance to come out of the East. If we could keep Kasparas out of the deal too, that'd obviously be ideal, but I think you'd have to assume Ware, Herro and Jaime are goners if we're going for it.

Let’s be real here, we don’t play Bam and Ware together so why would anyone think Spo would play Giannis and Bam together? That’s not even factoring the Bucks will want Bam.

To not get laughed out of the room and still keep us in contention we will have to offer up Bam, Herro and Ware.
Herro is replaced by Powell
Bam is replaced by an MVP in Giannis
We don’t even start Ware or play him extended mins.

The team would be full of two way players. It would have that Heat defensive identity.

Pg Mitchell
Sg Powell
Sf Wiggins
PF Jovic
C Giannis
With Jamie off the bench.

That team with Spo easily makes the Eastern Finals. Fill out the rest of the roster with vet min player and undrafted athletic defensive players. We still get to use Terry for another trade.

Bonus we lose player fans in the trade so it’s a win win. With Herro Bam and Ware the Bucks have a core that should keep them in striking distance of the play in so they can sell that to the fans and Bam and Ware are locked up since it’s hard for them to attract player because of location. This is assuming we can even convince Giannis to come here, it looks like he has his eyes set on the Knicks.

Giannis does not like playing the Center full-time, that's why he forced the Bucks FO to waived Dame to acquire Myles Turner.

A deal centered around Bam, Herro, Jaime, Jovic plus 2 picks can also work, but we have to keep Ware.

Mitchell
Norm
Wiggins
Giannis
Ware

[Heat_Down_Under]

Riley wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on that deal. And he shouldn't.

You go all in on a Bam/Giannis frontcourt, find the right pieces around them over the coming years to flourish.

If you assume the deal is Herro, Ware, Jaime, Rozier's contract (pending NBA approval) and picks for Giannis and Portis.

PG - Mitchell / Smith / Jakucionois
SG - Powell / Larsson
SF - Wiggins / Fontecchio
PF - Giannis / Jovic / Johnson
C - Adebayo / Portis

That's a solid lineup that would have a real chance to come out of the East. If we could keep Kasparas out of the deal too, that'd obviously be ideal, but I think you'd have to assume Ware, Herro and Jaime are goners if we're going for it.

Let’s be real here, we don’t play Bam and Ware together so why would anyone think Spo would play Giannis and Bam together? That’s not even factoring the Bucks will want Bam.

To not get laughed out of the room and still keep us in contention we will have to offer up Bam, Herro and Ware.
Herro is replaced by Powell
Bam is replaced by an MVP in Giannis
We don’t even start Ware or play him extended mins.

The team would be full of two way players. It would have that Heat defensive identity.

Pg Mitchell
Sg Powell
Sf Wiggins
PF Jovic
C Giannis
With Jamie off the bench.

That team with Spo easily makes the Eastern Finals. Fill out the rest of the roster with vet min player and undrafted athletic defensive players. We still get to use Terry for another trade.

Bonus we lose player fans in the trade so it’s a win win. With Herro Bam and Ware the Bucks have a core that should keep them in striking distance of the play in so they can sell that to the fans and Bam and Ware are locked up since it’s hard for them to attract player because of location. This is assuming we can even convince Giannis to come here, it looks like he has his eyes set on the Knicks.

I think this is the only reason why you suggested this trade lol… giannis at C and Jovic PF making the ECF.. my goodness….

[Crazy-Canuck]

Miami had a dominant performance against LAC last night, shot 52% from 3 on 46 attempts, all the starters scored over 15 points. Miami is 14-7 and the 3 seed in the East currently. Miami ranks 6th in the NBA in net rating at +5.3. Vibes are high. I'm loving it.

BUT, getting outclassed by Detroit still left a bad taste in my mouth. Miami is currently behind the knicks in the Eastern Conference standings and both the knicks and little brother magic are riding high right now with better net ratings than Miami over the past 4 games. F**K that. Miami has the 15th best offense and 7th best defense in this timespan. Not good enough. Gotta keep integrating the pieces (namely Herro) with those that helped Miami succeed previously (Ware, Larsson, Davion, Jaquez). A lot more iteration to do. I'm riding with a healthy paranoia.

My current fixation is Opponent Points in the Paint after seeing some clear warning signs the past 2 games. Over the 3-game span with the current rotation, Miami is worst in the league in opponent points per game, allowing 62 paint ppg. For context, over the last 20 seasons the worst opponent paint ppg allowed was 58.3 by Washington 2 seasons ago (29th ranked defense that season).

On the season as a whole, Miami is 24th in opponent paint points per game averaging 53.3. Before this stretch of games, Miami was at 51.9.

Of course, Miami plays at the fastest pace in the NBA so it will inflate all raw counting stats. So, if we adjust these numbers to average NBA pace, then what we have is Pace-Adjusted 59 opponent paint ppg allowed over the last 3 games. That still would be worst in league and worst in past 20 seasons.

On the season, Miami is allowing Pace-Adjusted 50.5 opponent paint ppg.

Small sample, of course. But, it's our only sample with this unit so far. Could be nothing that some small tweaks don't fix. But it's a signal that I'll try to monitor as the season progresses.

Update--last night Miami only allowed 44 points in the paint (good). But, it didn't change their last 3-game total since the 2 games prior were league-worst in opponent point in the paint. Last 3 games at 62 opponent paint ppg. With that said, last night Miami never logged the 3-guard lineup since Powell was out (Larsson in play style, skillset and defensive game is a SF/SG to me). My concern is the correlation between running the 3-guard lineup and Miami's defense being susceptible to open season in the paint. Spo's defenses are typically designed to keep teams out of the paint.

Adding to it. The 3 guard line up goes against the principles of Noah's offense. And we've been running it alot since herros return.

One of his key points to run this offense is called defensive versatility.

Defensive versatility is especially important because the offense is truly positionless. When West Point defends, their priorities again shift back to the first attribute they value (competitiveness). Players that traditionally only cover perimeter players are forced into positions where they are guarding opponents that are five or six inches taller in the post. Perhaps the most difficult job for these players is keeping their player off the glass.

So playing 3 guards without any positional versatility goes against Noah's principles. I think someone mentioned that this might be more than just about a basketball decision.

Anyways, the noah offense/defense is an interesting read. It isn't as gimmicky and simple as just run.

[wade44]

The Lebron media trying to will Reaves for Giannis now LOL

[SA37]

Read on Twitter

Some of those comments. Ware is going to be better than giannis? And confident while posting it.

I get not going all in on kd, dame, etc..

But giannis is still in his prime, he's still an athletic marvel. He gives you a good 4-5 yr window.

Hes done it in the playoffs. You need very specific personnel around him, but the heat already have them.

It's why a team like the Lakers make no sense. Nor the warriors.

Unless okc, spurs, and rockets unload their war chest, I think the heat have a legit shot. (If they choose to).

If Ware ends up being better than Giannis, no one saw it coming. Not even Ware's mom.

[SA37]

Riley wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on that deal. And he shouldn't.

You go all in on a Bam/Giannis frontcourt, find the right pieces around them over the coming years to flourish.

If you assume the deal is Herro, Ware, Jaime, Rozier's contract (pending NBA approval) and picks for Giannis and Portis.

PG - Mitchell / Smith / Jakucionois
SG - Powell / Larsson
SF - Wiggins / Fontecchio
PF - Giannis / Jovic / Johnson
C - Adebayo / Portis

That's a solid lineup that would have a real chance to come out of the East. If we could keep Kasparas out of the deal too, that'd obviously be ideal, but I think you'd have to assume Ware, Herro and Jaime are goners if we're going for it.

I refuse unless Jovic is heading out too. And I am only half joking.

[SA37]

Herro (hometown ALL STAR under 26/ merchandise mover)
Ware (insane potential)
Jaquez (has shown he can be a quality starter and would be GREAT if he develops a 3ball)
Kasparas (insane potential on a new rookie deal)
2 future 1sts
Fillers

Is as good an offer as any. I think we get our whale this time.

Bam
Gianni
Wiggins
Powell
Mitchell

Would run the East for the next 2/3 years EASILY

It's a competitive offer, but realistically, Miami cannot beat T Young, Risacher, and 4-5 picks.

Spoiler:

This is ESPN's version:

Trae Young
Zaccharie Risacher
2026 first-round pick (via better of Pelicans and Bucks)
2027 first-round pick (top-four protected, via worse of Pelicans and Bucks)
2029 first-round pick (top-four protected 2029 to 2031, unprotected in 2032 if not conveyed)
2031 first-round pick (top-four protected in 2031 if eligible, otherwise unprotected in 2032)

The Hawks have the unique ability to help Milwaukee regain its own picks as part of a post-Giannis rebuild. Technically, Atlanta controls only shares of picks from the Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans, who got them in the Jrue Holiday trade five years ago. However, the better of their two picks in 2026 could very well land in the top five and even the lesser of their 2027 selections should be solid.

It also cannot compete with the potential packages San Antonio can put together, an OKC package around Chet and picks, or a Houston package around Sengun.

[Vertical Limit]

Having Powell made Herro expendable and as much I like growth here, you go all in for a Giannis type of player.

Would also hate losing Ware and Jaquez in the process.

It is a no brainer to put Ware and JJJ on the deal if it means milwaukee will say yes. As productive as JJJ has been, neither of them are even remotely close to all star level talent.. theyre fringe starters, roleplayers and theyll be nothing more than that.

Im putting Herro, JJJ and Ware and firsts for Giannis and im leaving thinking we stole from Milwaukee. And if i can, im absolutely trying to shove Jovic in the deal even if it means a third team takes him.

I still remember people here bitching about giving up Caron Butler AND Odom for Shaq. The audacity!

[3ammy3uck3ts]

Read on Twitter

Some of those comments. Ware is going to be better than giannis? And confident while posting it.

I get not going all in on kd, dame, etc..

But giannis is still in his prime, he's still an athletic marvel. He gives you a good 4-5 yr window.

Hes done it in the playoffs. You need very specific personnel around him, but the heat already have them.

It's why a team like the Lakers make no sense. Nor the warriors.

Unless okc, spurs, and rockets unload their war chest, I think the heat have a legit shot. (If they choose to).

That’s Heat fans for you

[greg4012]

Riley wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on that deal. And he shouldn't.

You go all in on a Bam/Giannis frontcourt, find the right pieces around them over the coming years to flourish.

If you assume the deal is Herro, Ware, Jaime, Rozier's contract (pending NBA approval) and picks for Giannis and Portis.

PG - Mitchell / Smith / Jakucionois
SG - Powell / Larsson
SF - Wiggins / Fontecchio
PF - Giannis / Jovic / Johnson
C - Adebayo / Portis

That's a solid lineup that would have a real chance to come out of the East. If we could keep Kasparas out of the deal too, that'd obviously be ideal, but I think you'd have to assume Ware, Herro and Jaime are goners if we're going for it.

Let’s be real here, we don’t play Bam and Ware together so why would anyone think Spo would play Giannis and Bam together? That’s not even factoring the Bucks will want Bam.

To not get laughed out of the room and still keep us in contention we will have to offer up Bam, Herro and Ware.
Herro is replaced by Powell
Bam is replaced by an MVP in Giannis
We don’t even start Ware or play him extended mins.

The team would be full of two way players. It would have that Heat defensive identity.

Pg Mitchell
Sg Powell
Sf Wiggins
PF Jovic
C Giannis
With Jamie off the bench.

That team with Spo easily makes the Eastern Finals. Fill out the rest of the roster with vet min player and undrafted athletic defensive players. We still get to use Terry for another trade.

Bonus we lose player fans in the trade so it’s a win win. With Herro Bam and Ware the Bucks have a core that should keep them in striking distance of the play in so they can sell that to the fans and Bam and Ware are locked up since it’s hard for them to attract player because of location. This is assuming we can even convince Giannis to come here, it looks like he has his eyes set on the Knicks.

Pretty massive difference in dribble-pass-move skillset between Giannis and Ware. Not commenting on viability of getting Giannis bc none of us have a clue. But Giannis is nothing like Ware in terms of skillset. A lot more like Jaime, actually--if Jaime was a 7 ft athletic freak. Bam and Jaime just so happen to have the highest net rating on the team of any 2-man lineup (+18.9).

[3ammy3uck3ts]

The Lebron media trying to will Reaves for Giannis now LOL

From a player standpoint, he’s better than anyone we’ll be sending but our guys are a little younger and can still develop. Asset wise, the Lakers aren’t even close to us. It would take some more Silver collusion

[Lennyzinho]

The Lebron media trying to will Reaves for Giannis now LOL

Imagine Lakers get Luka and Giannis for Reaves AD Knect Christie and some picks. Lmao.
All of that should've been sent to get Luka given his skill and age. Sheesh.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

If there actually is collusion in the NBA, I know we like to point to that to help cope with not missing the playoffs and being slotted in the Mavs position for Flagg, then this would be the perfect time for Silver to help facilitate Gianni’s to Miami after the Jimmy and now Terry nonsense where we were clearly done wrong by not being informed of his ongoing gambling investigation.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

The Lebron media trying to will Reaves for Giannis now LOL

Imagine Lakers get Luka and Giannis for Reaves AD Knect Christie and some picks. Lmao.
All of that should've been sent to get Luka given his skill and age. Sheesh.

The Mavs not at least getting Reaves in the Luka deal is crazy, I actually saw Nico Harrison at the airport in Atlanta yesterday lol

[Lennyzinho]

The Lebron media trying to will Reaves for Giannis now LOL

Imagine Lakers get Luka and Giannis for Reaves AD Knect Christie and some picks. Lmao.
All of that should've been sent to get Luka given his skill and age. Sheesh.

The Mavs not at least getting Reaves in the Luka deal is crazy, I actually saw Nico Harrison at the airport in Atlanta yesterday lol

Yeah I mean. Reaves growth has been something else. You could almost argue Reaves AD FRP Christie now for Luka would be too much. But not getting another frp and knecht or anything else at the time... my god...

Was Nico on his way to cancun? Tulum? Lmao

[greg4012]

The Lebron media trying to will Reaves for Giannis now LOL

From a player standpoint, he’s better than anyone we’ll be sending but our guys are a little younger and can still develop. Asset wise, the Lakers aren’t even close to us. It would take some more Silver collusion

More importantly, Reaves is a free agent this offseason and can sign wherever he wants and LA has maybe 1 FRP to trade.