The Miami Heat enter the 2025-26 season with a roster that’s competitive but not quite complete. Bam Adebayo continues to anchor the defense, and Tyler Herro provides much-needed shot creation, while the front office has already been active, bringing in Norman Powell’s scoring punch and reuniting with Precious Achiuwa to bolster the frontcourt.
Still, Miami finds itself in the same position every year: good enough to fight for playoff seeding, but one key addition away from truly separating from the pack. With the Eastern Conference wide open, the Heat have an opportunity to make a bold move.
That’s where the trade market comes into play. Miami has the pieces to construct competitive offers, and here are three trade ideas that could help elevate Miami from a tough out in the East to a legitimate title contender.
Proposed Trade Package
Miami Heat Receive: Pascal Siakam, Johnny Furphy
Indiana Pacers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, Nikola Jovic, 2029 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick (swap), 2031 first-round pick, 2031 second-round pick
Landing Pascal Siakam (20.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.4 APG) would instantly give Miami the third star they’ve been searching for. The veteran forward, fresh off a Finals run with Indiana, is the type of two-way weapon who can elevate a good team into the contender tier.
His ability to play either forward spot, defend multiple positions, and serve as a secondary creator alongside Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro makes him a seamless fit. Adding 20-year-old Johnny Furphy (2.1 PPG in 50 appearances last season) in the deal also gives Miami a young shooter who can grow into a rotation role.
For the Pacers, the motivation is about retooling while maintaining flexibility. Andrew Wiggins brings championship experience and can slot in as a capable wing defender, while Davion Mitchell adds defensive grit in the backcourt. More importantly, Nikola Jovic offers long-term upside, and the multiple first-round picks ensure Indiana stays well-positioned for the future.
It’s a way to cash out on Siakam’s peak value while keeping their core competitive for when Tyrese Haliburton gets back from injury. Considering Siakam is nearly 32 years old, this isn't the worst deal for them.
From Miami’s perspective, this is a true “all-in” move. Siakam has proven he can thrive as both a No. 1 and complementary piece, and in Miami’s system, he wouldn’t need to carry the offensive burden every night.
With Adebayo holding down the middle, Herro creating on the perimeter, and Norman Powell bringing instant scoring, Siakam’s versatility could be the glue that turns Miami into one of the most dangerous teams in the East.
Proposed Trade Package
Miami Heat Receive: Lauri Markkanen, Georges Niang, Kyle Filipowski
Utah Jazz Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Terry Rozier, 2029 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick (swap), 2031 second-round pick
If Miami wants to make a bold stylistic gamble, pairing Bam Adebayo with Lauri Markkanen could create one of the league’s most unique frontcourts. Markkanen’s shooting and size (19.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 34.6% 3-PT FG) would stretch defenses in ways Miami hasn’t had before, giving Adebayo more room to operate inside while opening up driving lanes for Herro and Powell.
Adding Georges Niang (9.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG) and Kyle Filipowski (9.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG) provides even more shooting depth, making this a trade built around spacing and versatility. The Jazz, meanwhile, would collect an intriguing return.
Andrew Wiggins and Terry Rozier could step in as veterans who stabilize the roster, while Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. offer two promising young forwards with untapped upside. The inclusion of draft capital gives Utah long-term flexibility, keeping them well-positioned for their rebuild.
For the Heat, this move would be about reshaping their offensive identity. Adebayo’s defensive presence allows Miami to get away with a shooting big next to him, and Lauri Markkanen’s floor spacing would unlock a new level of efficiency. This lineup would allow Erik Spoelstra to mix traditional sets with modern five-out spacing, making them tough in any playoff series.
Proposed Trade Package
Miami Heat Receive: Jrue Holiday
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Terry Rozier, Simone Fontecchio, 2029 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick (swap), 2031 second-round pick
Not every move needs to be a blockbuster, and sometimes the smartest trades are the most sneaky. Acquiring Jrue Holiday (11.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.9 APG) would give Miami one of the most reliable two-way guards in basketball.
Even at 35 years old, his defense remains elite, his championship pedigree speaks for itself, and his ability to play on or off the ball makes him an ideal backcourt partner for Herro. Holiday would also bring invaluable leadership and stability, something the Heat have historically valued.
For Portland, the appeal lies in adding two expiring contracts while also picking up valuable draft assets. The Trail Blazers are clearly in a rebuilding phase as they await Damian Lillard's return in 2026-27, and getting younger while stockpiling picks fits their long-term vision.
From Miami’s perspective, this trade wouldn’t drastically change the roster on paper, but it could pay massive dividends in the postseason. Holiday’s defensive intensity and ability to hit big shots have swung playoff series before, and pairing him with Adebayo creates a defensive backbone few teams could match.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!