The Miami Heat have a puncher's chance of securing a 2025 NBA Playoff berth through the Play-In Tournament, but most of the organization's focus has likely already shifted to their plans for the coming offseason.
Following the departure of ex-Heat superstar Jimmy Butler via trade to the Golden State Warriors prior to this season's Feb. 6 trade deadline, the franchise has been given a chance to re-gain control of their own destiny, to a degree.
Miami received ex-Warriors NBA champion and 2022 All-Star Andrew Wiggins along with sizable contracts and draft capital in the Butler deal, and recent reports have indicated that the team could look to flip the forward as part of another blockbuster trade to land an incredibly talented two-way duo from the New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson and Herb Jones.
"Known for elite player conditioning and discipline, the Miami Heat may be the ideal landing spot for Zion Williamson," ClutchPoints' Julian Ojeda wrote Tuesday afternoon.
"Williamson would join a core featuring Bam Adebayo (27) and Tyler Herro (25). The Heat could offer Andrew Wiggins (29), on a four-year, $109 million deal with a $30.1 million player option for 2026-27, and Terry Rozier (30), who is entering the final year of his four-year, $96.2 million contract."
"In return, the Heat may also acquire Herb Jones (26), a defensive-minded forward under contract through 2026-27 on a $53.8 million deal."
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By shipping Wiggins and Roziers' contracts to New Orleans along with draft capital, it's possible for the Heat to drastically change their immediate future by acquiring the pair of star forwards.
At just 24 years old, Williamson is a 2-time All-Star who contributed 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists in only 30 appearances for the Pelicans this season. While injuries have always been a major concern with the high-flying force, Miami could still choose to take a risk and create an undersized, yet fearsome Williamson-Adebayo frontcourt tandem.
If New Orleans decides to push for a full-scale rebuild, Jones' hypothetical departure and subsequent arrival in Miami would likely turn the group into an elite defensive unit overnight. The 26-year-old made the NBA's All-Defensive First Team last season, and though he may have taken a step back on that end of the floor in 2024-25, it could be attributed entirely to injury misfortune.
In 20 contests for the Pelicans, Jones averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and a career-best 1.9 steals, proving that he'd likely be a seamless fit under Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Though a deal of this caliber may not actually come to fruition, it's definitely one to consider for Miami if they aim to return as contenders in the East as soon as possible.
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