Ranking the Miami Heat's Contracts for Trades

Tyler Herro is the obvious starting point. It's not just because of his production, though that’s still there. Even in a season limited to 33 games, he averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 37 percent from three. That kind of scoring still carries weight across the league. This is more about the contract. Herro is entering the final year of his deal at roughly $33 million. He wants an extension. The Heat, at least right now, don’t appear eager to meet that number.

That creates the exact type of situation front offices look for: a productive player on an expiring contract with something to prove. For a team trading away a star, Herro offers both immediate offense and future flexibility. If Miami makes a major move, it’s hard to envision a scenario where Herro isn’t the centerpiece going out.

The Flexible Piece: Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins may not get the headlines, but his contract could be just as important. He’s expected to opt into his $30 million player option, effectively making him another expiring deal. That alone gives Miami flexibility and gives other teams comfort. On the court, Wiggins still fits what contenders are always looking for: a two-way wing. He averaged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, providing steady production without needing the ball. At 31, he’s not a long-term building block.

He’s the type of contract that helps complete deals, the one that makes the math work, while still providing value to the team acquiring him. And in today’s NBA, those contracts are often just as critical as the headliner.

The Upside Bet: Nikola Jović

Nikola Jović is a different kind of asset. He’s younger. Still just 23. Still theoretically developing. But after a rough season, his trajectory is a little less certain than it once looked. Miami extended him before last season, and now he’s set to make $16.2 million next year. That’s not an outrageous number, but it’s significant enough that it needs to be justified.

Rebuilding teams are always willing to take a chance on upside, especially when it comes attached to size, skill, and youth. Jović likely isn’t the centerpiece of any deal. But he’s the kind of secondary piece that can tip negotiations, especially if Miami is light on draft capital.

The Bigger Picture

This is where the Heat are; they are stuck in the middle for the time being. They are not rebuilding, they are not retooling quietly. They’ve done it before, and they’ll try to do it again, and if they do land another star, it won’t just be about who they’re getting. This next player needs to help Miami finally get out of the Play-In.