Why the Miami Heat are biggest losers of NBA trade deadline

The anticlimactic end to an active NBA trade-deadline period for the Heat marks a major missed opportunity for an organization that could use a splash after trading star forward Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors last season.

Miami reportedly pursued two-time MVP Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Bucks ended up keeping him past the deadline. While that never materialized, the Heat could have explored other avenues to improve their roster as others around them took positive strides. Point guard Terry Rozier and small forward Simone Fontecchio, for example, are on expiring deals and could have been useful in a trade or trades, either to improve the team this season or acquire assets for another Antetokounmpo pursuit during the offseason.

As currently constructed, the Heat aren't an Eastern Conference contender. They also aren't bad enough to have great odds of earning a lottery pick. Team president Pat Riley could have used the trade deadline to provide the organization a jolt, but by sticking with the status quo, it will likely end the year with little more than a whimper.