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One Miami Heat star ‘has got to be’ included in trade for LeBron James, claims NBA expert

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 5:21 PM ET

As LeBron James’ relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers grows thin, the Miami Heat have emerged as a possible trade destination, although they would have to be willing to part ways with one of their most promising young players.

As the NBA offseason heats up, LeBron James has found himself in the middle of rumors, as always.

With only one year left on his contract and no indication that the Los Angeles Lakers see him as a long-term piece, James has been linked to the Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers in trade speculation. However, no team in the league is more aggressive than the Miami Heat, and James could end up playing for the Heat to end his career.

If Miami wants to add James, they might be forced to part ways with one of their more promising young players.

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Miami Heat would have to give up Kel’el Ware

Even into his 40s, James is one of the most valuable players in the entire league. With the Eastern Conference weaker than ever, the Heat successfully added Norman Powell as a win-now piece, although James would be a clear upgrade.

Between Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, the Heat have two stars who would pair well next to James, and Herro could share facilitating duties with LeBron.

James wouldn’t come cheap, and the Lakers might not be eager to part with their second-best player, although the Heat could offer a package that the Lakers might not be able to refuse.

“Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell for unhappy LeBron in January, and maybe some sort of pick swap, and maybe that’s all it is, as crazy as that sounds,” floated Bill Simmons on his podcast.

With Wiggins defending on the wings, successfully replacing Dorian Finney-Smith, and adding Powell to an offensive core with Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, the Lakers might be smart to trade James and go all-in on Doncic, although Los Angeles might not be desperate and could demand a prime young player.

“I think for the Lakers, Ware has got to be in it,” added Zach Lowe. “Get a rim runner that can play with Luka, and I’m trading arguably the greatest player of all time. I gotta hit the trade well, and I think he’d be the piece that they’d have to get.”

The Lakers added Deandre Ayton in free agency, who is pretty similar to Kel’el Ware, although Ware is younger and a better defender. On top of that, Ayton has a player option next season, and Ware could be a better option long-term.

Mock trade sends LeBron James back to South Beach

James has been linked to the Mavericks thanks to his relationship with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, and has been linked to Cleveland for obvious reasons.

While no one from James’ tenure in Miami is still with the Heat–aside from head coach Erik Spoelstra–it is a big market and ideal for soon-to-be-retirees, regardless of profession.

By adding James, the Heat would immediately become title favorites, so he won’t come cheap. With LeBron on the wing, Wiggins becomes a bit redundant, and the Heat have to match his $52.6 million salary.

Full mock trade details:

The Lakers end up with a starting lineup of Doncic, Reaves, Powell, Wiggins, and Ayton, with Ware, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Dalton Knecht coming off the bench.

The Heat would boast Herro, Davion Mitchell, James, Haywood Highsmith, and Adebayo, with Bronny and rookie Kasparas Jakucionis giving them a solid, hard-nosed backcourt in the second unit.

With the East weaker than ever, there is a very real chance that the Heat and Lakers could have a rematch of the 2020 NBA Finals, with LeBron playing on the other side.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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