March Madness star linked to retooling East squad

Florida guard and March Madness star Walter Clayton Jr. might not have to travel far for his NBA home.

The 2025 NBA Draft commences with the first round on Wednesday, and the 2025 men's NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player is trending toward the Miami Heat, who have the No. 20 pick.

Per CBS Sports' Adam Finkelstein, "Clayton has reportedly had multiple workouts in Miami and recently cancelled workouts towards the end of the first-round."

Clayton received multiple accolades in 2024-25, including being named a consensus All-American and being named SEC Tournament MVP.

In nine total postseason games, Clayton averaged 21.8 points, 3.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and a steal per game while shooting 47.5 percent, including 45.8 percent on three-point attempts.

During the NCAA Tournament, he became the seventh player all-time and first since Larry Bird (1979) to have 30-point games in the regional finals (Elite Eight) and national semifinals (Final Four), also joining Pro Basketball Hall of Famers Clyde Lovellette (1952), Wilt Chamberlain (1957) and Jerry West (1959), Jerry Chambers (1966) and 1973-74 Rookie of the Year Ernie DiGregorio (1973).

As good as Clayton was in big moments, it's no wonder that the Heat would have interest. The only mystery is how 19 other players could be picked ahead of him.

If Clayton's predraft workouts are indicative of where he lands, it would be a major coup for Miami as it puts the Jimmy Butler saga that sank its 2024-25 season behind it.

As a four-year senior, Clayton, 22, could likely immediately contribute to a team that probably isn't interested in a multiyear rebuild under longtime general manager Pat Riley. 

The Heat went 37-45 this season and were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was the team's second consecutive first-round exit and worst record since also going 37-45 in 2014-15.

Clayton could be part of a quick turnaround, as long as another team doesn't select him before the Heat get the chance.