The Miami Heat landed the potential key to their championship aspirations by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA draft. However, the Heat had to give up several pieces in exchange for the “Greek Freak” and Bobby Portis. If the franchise aims to contend for a championship, it needs to target a string of free agents.
“The Heat have been busy — long before tonight — figuring out what shooters to put around Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo. They have their targets,” wrote NBA insider tim reynolds.
Let’s look at the top five options for the Heat:
#1. Klay Thompson
Thompson is on a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, with whom he signed in 2024. Even though he is bound to the franchise for one more season, Dallas is unlikely to want to keep him, given his struggles last season, when he averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.
The Mavs guard’s numbers off the bench did not reflect his capabilities. Along with his proven perimeter shooting, he is also adept at making winning pick-and-roll plays. With Adebayo and Giannis handling the paint, Thompson can freely operate on the perimeter.
#2. Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley is an unrestricted free agent after a season with the Detroit Pistons. He was set to sign an extension, but those plans were scuppered after he was part of a gambling investigation.
Some sources suggest the Pistons could re-sign him if he gets cleared to play next season. However, if they don’t and the Heat pursue him, he could provide crucial bench points and minutes to the team.
Beasley averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, and shot 41.6% from deep in the 2024-25 season. This makes him an elite option alongside Giannis and Bam Adebayo. Giannis played with Beasley in the 2023-24 season, and a reunion could be beneficial.
#3. Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. primarily came off the bench for the Nuggets after signing for a veteran minimum of $3.6 million. However, he still showed flashes, averaging 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
Hardaway can contribute with his 3-point shooting. He was a part of the Mavericks team that reached the 2024 NBA Finals, and could add another veteran presence to the Miami roster.
#4. Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton will fulfill the Heat’s need for a proven facilitator. He was traded by the Charlotte Hornets in the middle of the season to Chicago. Now, he is an unrestricted free agent after finishing a four-year, $72 million contract. Even though he is a shoot-first guard, his size and speed help him make shifty plays and facilitate the offense.
Sexton was an instant fit with the Bulls squad, averaging 17.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. He showed up on both ends of the floor and can elevate the Heat instantly.
#5. Luke Kennard
Luke Kennard put the league on notice with his performance in Round 1 of the playoffs. The LA Lakers were without both main guards, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and Kennard helped as a facilitator and shooter. His mid-range game also significantly improved.
Kennard averaged 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the first round against the Houston Rockets. Even though he is an unrestricted free agent, the Lakers might look to bring him back, given their own issues with wings.
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