NBA Notebook: Heat Offseason, Jett Howard’s Magic Role, Wizards Rookies Make History

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat need to be willing to stay in luxury tax territory if they’re serious about upgrading the roster. That means monitoring the potential availability of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, and Zion Williamson, as well as exploring trade options with the Celtics, who are staring down a massive tax bill.

There’s also a suggestion that Miami approach Charlotte about removing protections on the first-round pick owed from the Terry Rozier deal. One idea? Offer an unprotected 2032 pick with added incentives.

Per Jackson, what the Heat can’t afford to do is overvalue their own assets. Even cornerstone pieces like Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro could be moved, if it nets a game-changing return.

• Winderman: Heat Should Trade No. 20 Pick
  Meanwhile, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel suggests Miami consider trading the No. 20 pick in June’s draft. Doing so could free up more first-round flexibility by lifting some of the restrictions tied to the protected pick owed to Charlotte. That could open the door to dealing multiple future firsts, rather than being tied down through 2030.

• Howard Still Searching for Role in Orlando
  Magic wing Jett Howard saw more action in his sophomore season, but the results were modest. He averaged 4.5 points in 11.7 minutes across 60 games. Still, the former lottery pick said he’s staying confident. “I can shoot the ball at a pretty high level,” Howard said, via Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. “It’s hard being called in sometimes and not other times… but that’s just with anything as a young guy.”

• Wizards Rookies Make Rare Franchise History
  With Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington earning spots on the All-Rookie team, the Wizards notched a milestone not seen since the franchise was still in Baltimore. The duo marks Washington’s first All-Rookie selections since Rui Hachimura in 2019-20 — and just the second time the franchise has had two in the same year, joining Rod Thorn and Gus Johnson back in 1963-64.