Miami Heat Offseason Thread vol. 1: Post Mortem

[MettaWorldPanda]

Influencers from Heat twitter will pump Lebron talk on X cause it’s polarizing and gets them paid. I really need to start a Heat stan account and start photo shopping Lebron and Mitchell in Heat jersey’s. Start posting old pics of Lebron vacationing in Miami lol

Offseason gonna be almost as unbearable as the actual season MWP.

Yup it’s going to be insufferable

[twix2500]

Watch on YouTube

Marks talks about the extension negotiations that will take place with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. He highlights that Jimmy Butler future is a thing to watch

[Bmaster]

Well I'm pretty content give the giant cluster **** of healthy issues we had. Young guys looked good and there's some really easy things that they can work on this summer to elevate their games. JJJ getting that 3 ball coming out of PNR/Corner for example opens up his game nicely. Jovic I'm sure already has his homework as he's been going through it all season on the defensive side of the game much improved (growth was nice boys).

I think everyone is in for another offseason disappointment. We're in no man's land with assets and Jimmy's contract. Riley and Co are on the 2026 game plan. MLE should allow us to fix the lack of rotational big next to Bam and Jovic. We'll probably make couple of smaller moves. Anyone know what Duncan's partial is for that final season?

Overall fun season for a down year. Gonna be watching the Wolves and Thunder and casting black magic towards Boston, NYK, and Bucks.

I would trade hero. I think he has most value of any tradable asset heat have. Glad young guys got playoff experience going to be fun watching them develop more next season.

[Kobewade11]

Watch on YouTube

Marks talks about the extension negotiations that will take place with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. He highlights that Jimmy Butler future is a thing to watch

Jimmy extension will be interesting. Contracts tend to be forward looking, a Jimmy extension if we’re being honest would be more about appreciation for what he’s done.

[MettaWorldPanda]

Watch on YouTube

Marks talks about the extension negotiations that will take place with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. He highlights that Jimmy Butler future is a thing to watch

Jimmy extension will be interesting. Contracts tend to be forward looking, a Jimmy extension if we’re being honest would be more about appreciation for what he’s done.

It's always going to be about Jimmy and Bam for the foreseeable future. We will ride with Jimmy well into his age 37-38 years. Pat has talked about how it's different now with the aging players how they take care of themselves and Jimmy is a fitness freak. If fans are giddy about bringing in a 40 year old Lebron then we should have no issues with dealing with a late 30's Jimmy.

[twix2500]

Heat media PR starting to slowly acknowledge Herro physical limitations i.e. his ceiling..

[MettaWorldPanda]

Read on Twitter

Micky is looking at a monster tax bill as things are currently constructed. With the draft pick probably some where in the 25 million plus range. A couple of things to consider though

With the draft pick they will be about 16 million over the first apron tax threshold but all these numbers are taking into account everyone opting in.

I feel like Caleb Martin almost certainly opts out looking for a longer term deal even if it's for a small raise over his current 7 million which I think he's done more then enough to get on the open market. So with that being said that brings the figure down back to about 9 million post draft pick but still around a 17 million tax bill. Hopefully we coax Bryant to opt out but saying we don't see a role for him next year and that it will probably be beneficial for him to seek a minimum someplace else that allows him to get playing time but that's not guaranteed. If they can get his 2.9 million off the books that brings up to about 6 million away from the first apron.

I don't see Kevin Love opting out of his 4.5 million dollar opt in as he's clearly just probably viewed around the league as a vet minimum mentor type player and that current salary is above that. If anything maybe he does opt out and gives us a team friendly one and one deal that saves us a little bit of money this year off the cap. Let's say we can get 1 million in savings so that puts us closer to 5 million away from the apron. I assume we will give Haywood Highsmith the QO of 2.3 million but maybe someone out there gives him a small raise but who knows. If he does come back for the QO it gets added back on the cap so maybe they just let him walk or see how the dust settles after some moves.

Orlando Robinson has a 2.1 non guaranteed contract next year that's still on the books but if they need to shave it in order to get closer to the 1st apron threshold then that brings us down to about 3 million. He's probably another one that they wait to decide on to see how the dust settles after trades are made and if salary opens up. Josh Richardson has a 3 million dolllar opt in but that if he opts out has potential to get us at about the first apron threshold. Richardson mentioned getting larger offers but does he go into free agency trying to get more? I would say that's a big possibility that he shops around now even with the shoulder injury that should be fully healed come free agency time. At worst he comes back here for the same minimum deal. Regardless he has potential to make more then the minimum someplace else at still only 30 years old as a bench spark.

So recap

Players potentially opting out or redoing deal

Caleb Martin 7.1 million
Thomas Bryant 2.8 million
Kevin Love 4.5 million( either opt in or one and one for 3.5 million 7 total) vet min 2.7 mil he gets paid more
Orlando Robinson 2.1 million (Team option non guaranteed)
Josh Richardson 3.1 million

*Haywood Highsmith(RFA 2.3 QO) - Not counting against the cap right now

[Grumpy Heat Fan]

There is only one move that allows us to stay on target for the 2026 timeline, preserving Jamie, Jovic, and Bam

That is the return of LeBron James to Miami


Herro, Robinson, and this years 1st round pick in a sign and trade taking Bronny at 43

Rozier
Butler
James
Jovic
Bam
Jamie

Vet ring chasers liked a Crowder, Love and Pat Bev

This would be option 1 for me if I were Riley, and I’m pulling out all the stops for it. LeBron is a free agent we will get a meeting. It hasn’t made sense for the two to re approach since he left in truth, but the short term goals here are aligned, and an opportunity to win one is available for Riley and LeBron to ride one more out, before turning it over to the next generation.

As far as Bronny is concerned I couldn’t think of a better place for him to develop, and I do think he has skills that could be molded into a Heat type guy. He can be a scrappy defensive guard with a 3 point shot, won’t ever be a star I don’t think but Miami has taken worse talent and helped them stick in this league.

Yeah it makes sense. If Lebron looks around the league on where he wants his son to be drafted.... it would be Miami. Coaching, development program of "undrafted stars" contributing in the playoffs at the highest level. Every year. Lebron is looking at us and thinking that he wants Bronny in this system.

However, do we want Lebron back, I don't think Riley would accept that UNLESS Lebron goes and apologizes for acting the way he did in 2014. The whole meeting while watching the world cup thing... the way he handled it... all of it. He would have to apologize to Riles.

[MettaWorldPanda]

There is only one move that allows us to stay on target for the 2026 timeline, preserving Jamie, Jovic, and Bam

That is the return of LeBron James to Miami


Herro, Robinson, and this years 1st round pick in a sign and trade taking Bronny at 43

Rozier
Butler
James
Jovic
Bam
Jamie

Vet ring chasers liked a Crowder, Love and Pat Bev

This would be option 1 for me if I were Riley, and I’m pulling out all the stops for it. LeBron is a free agent we will get a meeting. It hasn’t made sense for the two to re approach since he left in truth, but the short term goals here are aligned, and an opportunity to win one is available for Riley and LeBron to ride one more out, before turning it over to the next generation.

As far as Bronny is concerned I couldn’t think of a better place for him to develop, and I do think he has skills that could be molded into a Heat type guy. He can be a scrappy defensive guard with a 3 point shot, won’t ever be a star I don’t think but Miami has taken worse talent and helped them stick in this league.

Yeah it makes sense. If Lebron looks around the league on where he wants his son to be drafted.... it would be Miami. Coaching, development program of "undrafted stars" contributing in the playoffs at the highest level. Every year. Lebron is looking at us and thinking that he wants Bronny in this system.

However, do we want Lebron back, I don't think Riley would accept that UNLESS Lebron goes and apologizes for acting the way he did in 2014. The whole meeting while watching the world cup thing... the way he handled it... all of it. He would have to apologize to Riles.

Riley has never forgiven Klutch for that till this day in particular Rich Paul. Riley is like an old school mafia boss.

[RexBoyWonder]

If we didn't owe that 2025 top 14 protected pick that goes unprotected in 2026 I'd be very down to go super young next year and pick in the top 3. Use to year to develop Jovic and Jamie and the rook from this draft, then add a bluc chip talent next draft.

I really hate tread-milling, and this is where we're heading.

[MettaWorldPanda]

Read on Twitter

Welp I guess we can put a fork into these Durant rumors. Suns probably look to fix the things around the edges like getting some PG play. They also have the ability to court cheap vet mins.

[RexBoyWonder]

Oh and Lebron ain't coming here. Don't fool yourself. 0%. Trust me on that one.

[MettaWorldPanda]

If we didn't owe that 2025 top 14 protected pick that goes unprotected in 2026 I'd be very down to go super young next year and pick in the top 3. Use to year to develop Jovic and Jamie and the rook from this draft, then add a bluc chip talent next draft.

I really hate tread-milling, and this is where we're heading.

Not being good next year can turn into a disaster if we end up owing out that 2026 unprotected that then makes the Hornets pick into a 2028 unprotected. We got ourselves into a real pickle with these draft picks and it's now time to pay the piper. OKC is building a dynasty with all there young talent.

[Grumpy Heat Fan]

There is only one move that allows us to stay on target for the 2026 timeline, preserving Jamie, Jovic, and Bam

That is the return of LeBron James to Miami


Herro, Robinson, and this years 1st round pick in a sign and trade taking Bronny at 43

Rozier
Butler
James
Jovic
Bam
Jamie

Vet ring chasers liked a Crowder, Love and Pat Bev

This would be option 1 for me if I were Riley, and I’m pulling out all the stops for it. LeBron is a free agent we will get a meeting. It hasn’t made sense for the two to re approach since he left in truth, but the short term goals here are aligned, and an opportunity to win one is available for Riley and LeBron to ride one more out, before turning it over to the next generation.

As far as Bronny is concerned I couldn’t think of a better place for him to develop, and I do think he has skills that could be molded into a Heat type guy. He can be a scrappy defensive guard with a 3 point shot, won’t ever be a star I don’t think but Miami has taken worse talent and helped them stick in this league.

Yeah it makes sense. If Lebron looks around the league on where he wants his son to be drafted.... it would be Miami. Coaching, development program of "undrafted stars" contributing in the playoffs at the highest level. Every year. Lebron is looking at us and thinking that he wants Bronny in this system.

However, do we want Lebron back, I don't think Riley would accept that UNLESS Lebron goes and apologizes for acting the way he did in 2014. The whole meeting while watching the world cup thing... the way he handled it... all of it. He would have to apologize to Riles.

Riley has never forgiven Klutch for that till this day in particular Rich Paul. Riley is like an old school mafia boss.

Yeah... Riles is old school, like you said. I like that. I don't think we even deal with Klutch clients lol

I don't blame Riles for it... Lebron and his team handled 2014 so terribly. And then he called us "college" in that letter. Like, what.


But regardless, Lebron is all about manipulating his image, and he fixed his Cleveland image.... but he's left Miami still burned.

[MettaWorldPanda]

Yeah it makes sense. If Lebron looks around the league on where he wants his son to be drafted.... it would be Miami. Coaching, development program of "undrafted stars" contributing in the playoffs at the highest level. Every year. Lebron is looking at us and thinking that he wants Bronny in this system.

However, do we want Lebron back, I don't think Riley would accept that UNLESS Lebron goes and apologizes for acting the way he did in 2014. The whole meeting while watching the world cup thing... the way he handled it... all of it. He would have to apologize to Riles.

Riley has never forgiven Klutch for that till this day in particular Rich Paul. Riley is like an old school mafia boss.

Yeah... Riles is old school, like you said. I like that. I don't think we even deal with Klutch clients lol

I don't blame Riles for it... Lebron and his team handled 2014 so terribly. And then he called us "college" in that letter. Like, what.


But regardless, Lebron is all about manipulating his image, and he fixed his Cleveland image.... but he's left Miami still burned.

He was from Cleveland that was an easy one to fix. He has no reason to fix anything here in Miami. The media actually probably lauds him for his treatment of Miami and he's all about the media likes.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

Influencers from Heat twitter will pump Lebron talk on X cause it’s polarizing and gets them paid. I really need to start a Heat stan account and start photo shopping Lebron and Mitchell in Heat jersey’s. Start posting old pics of Lebron vacationing in Miami lol

Whatever pays the bills brotha

[MettaWorldPanda]

Brandon Ingram is my clear favorite to be pursued using Tyler Herro. Both Jeff Schwartz clients that I think will be in his clients best interest for him to broker a deal between the Pels and Heat. I don't expect us to have very much competition for Ingram and I think he and the Pels also want to move on from each other. The fit between him and Williamson has not been good. Here in Miami he'll have the freedom to play small ball 4 at 6'8 with his 7'3 wingspan. Before anyone mentions Herro's fit with CJ McCollum, I really don't think that will matter much to them as they will most likely be looking to move him this year or next as well when he'll be entering the final year of his deal.

They also have plenty of lengthy wings on that team to cover up the defensive short comings. Ingram might not be the shiny star everyone wants but for what we are offering he looks to be the most obtainable. I would also suggest letting him play out the final year of his deal and earning his next contact with us. If things don't work out we have a 36 million dollar salary slot opening up. I did not even mention most likely Larry Nance Jr being included in the deal who we have tried to get plenty of times who is also on an expiring deal. So potential to free up close to 48 million.

Read on Twitter

https://heavy.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/trade-brandon-ingram-bam-adebayo/



Williamson loves him some Tyler Herro

[3ammy3uck3ts]

Watch on YouTube

Marks talks about the extension negotiations that will take place with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. He highlights that Jimmy Butler future is a thing to watch

Jimmy extension will be interesting. Contracts tend to be forward looking, a Jimmy extension if we’re being honest would be more about appreciation for what he’s done.

It's always going to be about Jimmy and Bam for the foreseeable future. We will ride with Jimmy well into his age 37-38 years. Pat has talked about how it's different now with the aging players how they take care of themselves and Jimmy is a fitness freak. If fans are giddy about bringing in a 40 year old Lebron then we should have no issues with dealing with a late 30's Jimmy.

I mean you’re comparing the greatest player we’ve ever seen to someone who doesn’t try in the regular season. Like looking into it even more has made me frustrated with Jimmy, ive been ok with the coasting as long as he shows up and shows up big in the playoffs, this year he didn’t and we wasted the entire year if we’re being honest.

KD at 35: 27-7-5 on elite efficiency and missed only 7 games.

Lebron at 39: 26-7-8 on even higher efficient than KD while missing 11 games.

Steph at 36: 26-5-5 on elite efficiency while missing 8 games.

These are all time greats, multiple times MVPs who have several championships between the 3 giving far more effort than Jimmy over the course of the year. Guys who honestly have nothing left to prove outside maybe KD who can’t win without a crazy superteam so why are we ok with Jimmy eating up half the cap and potentially $70M a year as he tries less and less as the seasons go on?

He needs to take this serious and stop putting us in bad positions because like this season there’s no guarantee we’ll be in good enough health to get out of them

[MettaWorldPanda]

Jimmy extension will be interesting. Contracts tend to be forward looking, a Jimmy extension if we’re being honest would be more about appreciation for what he’s done.

It's always going to be about Jimmy and Bam for the foreseeable future. We will ride with Jimmy well into his age 37-38 years. Pat has talked about how it's different now with the aging players how they take care of themselves and Jimmy is a fitness freak. If fans are giddy about bringing in a 40 year old Lebron then we should have no issues with dealing with a late 30's Jimmy.

I mean you’re comparing the greatest player we’ve ever seen to someone who doesn’t try in the regular season. Like looking into it even more has made me frustrated with Jimmy, ive been ok with the coasting as long as he shows up and shows up big in the playoffs, this year he didn’t and we wasted the entire year if we’re being honest.

KD at 35: 27-7-5 on elite efficiency and missed only 7 games.

Lebron at 39: 26-7-8 on even higher efficient than KD while missing 11 games.

Steph at 36: 26-5-5 on elite efficiency while missing 8 games.

These are all time greats, multiple times MVPs who have several championships between the 3 giving far more effort than Jimmy over the course of the year. Guys who honestly have nothing left to prove outside maybe KD who can’t win without a crazy superteam so why are we ok with Jimmy eating up half the cap and potentially $70M a year as he tries less and less as the seasons go on?

He needs to take this serious and stop putting us in bad positions because like this season there’s no guarantee we’ll be in good enough health to get out of them

The Heat organization has to do a better job of building a team that can win during the regular season much like when we had PJ Tucker here. I think Butler will take things more seriously if he's surrounded by better players that he doesn't have to carry the load every night.

[twix2500]

I think (even thou I think there will be a major trade this summer) that Bam, Jovic and Jaquez Jr has a the potential to be a very good starting frontcourt next season. That is one of the few positives this season that Jovic and Jaquez got major playing time to speed up their development for next season. They both can go into this summer and have an idea what they need to work on to be playoff quality players. Bam, Jovic and Jaquez present a very versitile frontcourt with size. I am hoping Jaquez injury is not serious and has him missing summer league and most of the offseason rehabing.

However, if the Heat want to build around Bam, Jaquez and Jovic next to him is a good foundation. The depth with size behind Bam is not existing and needs to be addressed. But the problem is Spo philosophy that he doesnt like size. The players that fits Spo ideology is almost non existing. There has only been one player Spo has felt comfortable playing with size and that is Olynyk and even then he benched Olynyk in the playoffs for Crowder and Iggy. Bam cant be the only player in the universe that Spo feels comfortable playing at center.