Jan 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

'The Heat Would be the Most Likely Team' – Miami Heat Labeled as Potential Trade Destination for $26.6 Million Utah Jazz Big

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 10:20 AM ET

The Miami Heat have been recently linked to a potential trade for Utah Jazz forward John Collins, who’s entering the final year of his contract next season after exercising his $26.6 million player option this summer.

Speaking during an NBA free agency live stream with Bleacher Report, NBA insider Jake Fischer named the Miami Heat as Collins’ potential landing spot since the Utah Jazz are prioritizing the development of their young players. Earlier this week, Utah traded Collin Sexton to the Charlotte Hornets and bought out Jordan Clarkson.

“I think the Heat are considering various options. One name I’ve heard for them has been John Collins… John Collins is the final of the three veterans that Utah has been trying to move off of seemingly for two years now. I do think if that does happen, the Heat would be the most likely team,” Fischer said.

Miami Heat: Tyler Herro Sends Clear Message to Team After Going Down 0-2 Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 6 Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55), forward Nikola Jovic (5), guard Terry Rozier (2), and center Bam Adebayo (13) react to a foul call during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat haven’t done much this free agency. Their only notable move thus far is the acquisition of Simone Fontecchio in exchange for Duncan Robinson as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons.

Miami Heat reignite Damian Lillard interest, linked with Bradley Beal

According to renowned NBA insider Marc Stein, the Miami Heat are exploring the possibility of adding Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal to their roster this offseason.

Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard Makes Honest Admission About His Game 2 Performance Vs. Indiana Pacers 5 Dec 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) controls the ball during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Lillard is a free agent after the Milwaukee Bucks waived and stretched his contract, and the Miami Heat were interested in acquiring him in 2023. Beal is reportedly discussing a potential contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns.

“The Heat, meanwhile, have serious interest in signing Lillard as well as exploring the prospect of adding a bought-out Beal. Yet it’s fair to wonder why Lillard would be looking to sign quickly with any team unless he’s searching for organizational support as he rehabs from his own Achilles tear. Our good friend Chris Haynes reported Thursday evening that Lillard is indeed in no rush to make any decision about his future despite receiving plenty of interest from the Heat and several other teams,” Stein wrote.