Miami Heat, from DeRozan to Klay Thompson: the available options
The Miami Heat aren’t done making moves. Pat Riley is evaluating Klay Thompson, Bradley Beal, and DeMar DeRozan as potential additions to bring more talent and veteran experience alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo
With LeBron James no longer an option, there’s no time for regrets in Miami. The Heat are focused on making one final addition to expand their offensive arsenal and further strengthen the all-in roster built around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The team’s salary situation suggests Pat Riley will have to proceed carefully without ruling out legitimate opportunities. Miami still has $11 million in room before reaching the first apron and another $23 million before hitting the second apron, which is set at just over $221 million for the 2026-27 season.
The question now is which player best fits what this version of the Heat needs.
DeMar DeRozan’s motivation
DeMar DeRozan has been linked to Miami virtually all summer. He’s also one of the league’s most durable veterans over 30, having appeared in 77 regular-season games in each of the past two years.
There are, however, legitimate questions about his fit. Is his elite mid-range scoring really what a team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo needs to consistently challenge opposing defenses?
Still, the mutual interest shown over the past several weeks could allow Miami to finalize a deal on favorable terms.
Bradley Beal’s bid for a comeback
Bradley Beal is at a similar stage of his career, but with far more uncertainty surrounding him. After declining his player option and ending his brief stint with the Clippers, Beal has reportedly drawn interest only from the Heat during this free agency period, according to Brett Siegel.
The reasons are fairly obvious. His last few seasons have been derailed by both unfavorable basketball situations and a lengthy list of injuries, significantly reducing his value around the league. The hip surgery he underwent last November ended his season just one week after it began, but could that prove to be the final obstacle before a comeback?
After all, surprising teams are often built on bold offseason gambles. In Beal’s case, motivation certainly doesn’t appear to be lacking.
Saving a seat for Klay Thompson
Another option – once considered unlikely but now just as realistic as the others – is Klay Thompson.
The outcome depends on the Dallas Mavericks. If the expected buyout becomes official, a scenario that appears increasingly likely, the Heat would immediately pursue Thompson, according to the Miami Herald. A new trade, on the other hand, appears far less probable.
Riley’s push to acquire Bobby Portis in the trade with the Bucks, along with the re-signing of Simone Fontecchio, highlights the organization’s desire to surround Giannis with players capable of spacing the floor. Even at 36 years old, the Splash Brother remains one of the NBA’s premier shooters and, at this stage of the offseason, may be the most intriguing option to complete Miami’s new championship project.