The Miami Heat are off to an average start in the 2024-25 season, holding a 6-7 record and dealing with some off-court distractions which includes Jimmy Butler’s uncertain future. It seems Butler is giving his all for the Heat this season, although his numbers are slightly down (17.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.9 APG on 21.4% from three) considering his standards. Regardless of Butler’s future, the Heat aren’t looking like the team that made NBA Finals appearances in 2019-20 and 2022-23.
The Heat are getting inspired play from Bam Adebayo (16.3 PPG, 9.5 RPG) and Tyler Herro (24.2 PPG), but the team seems to be a step behind major title contenders like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers as currently constructed. The Heat have been linked to major star players over the past few seasons, but considering their circumstances now and the fact that the Heat are only 2.0 games behind the third seed, perhaps they do not need to make any drastic changes to their roster. There are four trades they must avoid at all costs because they could ultimately make the roster worse off now and in the long run.
Resetting Culture For Brandon Ingram
Nov 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, Josh Richardson, 2026 Second-Round Pick, 2028 Second-Round Pick
The Miami Heat have built their reputation on a strong organizational culture centered around grit, defense, and a relentless work ethic. While Brandon Ingram is undoubtedly a talented scorer posting 23.2 points and 5.3 assists per game this season, his finesse-based game and injury history (only played at least 65 games once in his career) might clash with the Heat’s identity.
Ingram’s playstyle does not align with Miami’s need for a physical, two-way player who thrives in high-pressure situations, particularly in playoff settings. Heat fans, accustomed to the intensity of players like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, may find Ingram’s approach underwhelming.
Additionally, giving up Tyler Herro—an ascending star—along with other assets such as Nikola Jovic and Josh Richardson compromises both the Heat’s present and future. Herro’s scoring ability and developing playmaking skills make him an integral part of Miami’s core. Trading him for Ingram, whose availability has been inconsistent due to injuries, introduces significant risk and diminishes the depth Miami relies on.
The two second-round picks included in the deal further deplete Miami’s draft capital, which could be crucial for future moves. While Ingram is an All-Star-caliber player, his addition does not address the Heat’s glaring need for defensive consistency and physicality. The trade could disrupt Miami’s balance, leaving them worse off in the long run.
Hoping For A Game-Changer In CJ McCollum
Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: CJ McCollum
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr, Nikola Jovic, 2026 Second-Round Pick
On paper, CJ McCollum is a reliable veteran scorer (18.8 PPG this season) who brings leadership and experience, but his addition to the Heat roster offers limited upside. McCollum, while productive, is not a drastic improvement over the current Heat backcourt of Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. The team would essentially be exchanging one set of skills for another without truly elevating their chances in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Losing young talents like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic is another drawback. Both players represent the future of Miami’s developmental pipeline, which has produced quality players under Erik Spoelstra’s guidance. Jaquez, in particular, has shown flashes of versatility that align with the Heat’s style, making his departure a tough pill to swallow. Trading away young prospects and a second-round pick for McCollum feels like a short-term gamble with a limited payoff.
Moreover, McCollum’s age (33), injury history (four appearances this season), and defensive limitations do not fit the Heat’s long-term vision. His offensive skill set, while impressive, doesn’t drastically change Miami’s ability to compete with top-tier teams like Boston or Milwaukee. The Heat would be wise to hold onto their younger players and use their assets more strategically for a true game-changing acquisition.
Biting The Bullet For James Harden
Oct 31, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Intuit Dome.
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: James Harden
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, Josh Richardson, 2028 Second-Round Pick
James Harden is a household name and one of the most prolific offensive players in NBA history, but his fit with the Miami Heat is highly questionable. Harden’s ball-dominant style contrasts sharply with Miami’s system, which emphasizes ball movement and team defense. His lack of defensive effort and history of off-court distractions could also create tension within a disciplined Heat organization.
The proposed trade would cost Miami key contributors in Tyler Herro and Josh Richardson, as well as Nikola Jovic and a future draft pick. This would strip the Heat of valuable depth and flexibility while adding a player who does not address their needs for defensive intensity and off-ball movement. Harden’s ability to score and distribute is undeniable, but his game comes with diminishing returns in playoff settings, where defenses tighten and effort matters most.
Miami’s current core, centered around Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, thrives on cohesiveness and hard-nosed basketball. Adding Harden could disrupt the team’s identity and potentially alienate its star players. Even if Harden’s numbers look appealing this season (20.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 8.8 APG), the trade would likely hurt the Heat’s chemistry and long-term prospects.
Last-Ditch Attempt For Collin Sexton
Feb 29, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz Receive: Duncan Robinson, Jaime Jaquez Jr, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2028 Second-Round Pick
Collin Sexton is a talented scorer posting 15.8 points per game on 44.4% from three, but his ceiling as a player does not justify the cost of acquiring him for the Heat. Sexton’s primary value lies in his ability to create offense, but his overall impact is limited by his inefficiency and lack of elite playmaking or defensive ability.
Trading for Sexton would essentially provide the Heat with a minor upgrade over Duncan Robinson and Jaime Jaquez Jr., which does not significantly move the needle. The inclusion of a 2029 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick makes this trade even less appealing.
The Heat would be giving up valuable future assets for a player whose potential is largely capped. While Sexton might help Miami in specific offensive situations, he does not address the team’s broader needs for defensive versatility and veteran leadership. Moreover, Miami’s current roster already features players capable of stepping up offensively, such as Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Sexton’s addition could create redundancy and fail to provide the spark the team needs to contend with Eastern Conference powerhouses. Ultimately, this trade represents a lateral move rather than a transformative one, making it a risk the Heat should avoid.
