The Miami Heat have 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 with Bam Adebayo and the 2021 NBA champion, the management would have to target a string of free agents.
NBA analyst Tim Reynolds shared a post that the Heat management might have been thinking for a long time about the free agents to target after the big trade. The analyst wrote:
“The Heat have been busy — long before tonight — figuring out what shooters to put around Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo. They have their targets.”
Let’s see the top five options the Heat can choose to place around the two top frontcourt pieces.
#1. Klay Thompson
Thompson is on a 3-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, the Miami Heat can look to get him, considering his below-average performance last season, averaging 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 work, Thompson can freely operate on the perimeter.
#2. Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley is currently an unrestricted free agent after a one-year, $6 million season with the Detroit Pistons. He was let go after his name surfaced in a gambling incident. Some sources have also suggested that the Pistons were reportedly looking to re-sign him if he gets cleared to play next season. He provided crucial bench points and minutes to the team and has all the skills to be part of the starting lineup.
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 besides someone like Giannis and Adebayo. Giannis has already played with him in the 2023-24 season, when he shot 41.3% from deep and played beside the superstar forward as a starter. This return might be beneficial.
#3. Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. played off the bench for the Nuggets after he was given a veteran minimum of $3.6 million in one year. However, he seemed to be on a mission to prove something to the scouts. Even after spending more than 12 seasons in the NBA, the forward still showed signs of offensive outbursts, averaging 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
Hardaway Jr. can bring flair as a wing and make shots when the offense needs a hand. However, his pick-and-roll capabilities and ability to recognize plays with court vision have not been proven in the NBA.
#4. Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton will fulfil the Heat’s needs of 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 4-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 the team play as a facilitator and shooter. His mid-game plays 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 now, the Lakers might look to acquire him, given their own issues with wings.
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