Dec 10, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat team president Pat Riley looks on during the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Miami Heat Linked To Blockbuster Trade For $52 Million All-Star

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI
By Anthony Pasciolla | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 2:17 PM ET

Miami Heat fans are growing impatient with the front office's lack of moves, especially after team president Pat Riley claimed the organization would avoid running it back.

One route that would immediately silence complaints from the public is to trade for the most talented player in Heat history. This, of course, is none other than 21-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion LeBron James. No one expected James to be anywhere near the trade block entering the offseason. However, the Los Angeles Lakers' shifting their attention to the Luka Doncic era could lead to James finishing his career out elsewhere.

PFSN linked James to the Heat in a piece listing the top five potential trade destinations for him. The Heat were joined by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Denver Nuggets in this article of landing spots.

Though the Miami Heat were swept in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs by the Cavaliers, they have a nice duo in guard Tyler Herro and big man Bam Adebayo. Where they’re lacking is on the wing, as they struggled to get production from that spot once Butler was traded away," the article shared. "Enter James, who would once again get to live in Miami and be coached by one of the game’s best head coaches in Erik Spoelstra."

Reports suggest there isn't a huge number of teams that would pursue a blockbuster deal for James, meaning the Heat could throw a relatively low offer at the Lakers. The possible trade return for L.A. would also be lower than expected because James opted into the final year of his contract, which comes in at $52 million. After that, there's no telling what his future in the league looks like, so it's potentially a one-year rental for Miami.

A trio of James, Herro, and Adebayo could seriously contend in a weak Eastern Conference, but Miami also isn't the most established contender at the moment.

It's worth noting James still needs to request a trade and express willingness in joining the Heat for this scenario to become even close to a reality.