The NBA season kicks off on October 21, which means it’s time for the annual “30 teams in 30 days” preview series. This year, we’re diving into every facet of the Miami Heat: their summer moves, roster outlook, and projections for the upcoming season. Let’s take a closer look.
Last Season’s Review
- 2024-25 Record of the Miami Heat
In 2023, the Heat advanced from the play-in tournament to reach the NBA Finals. Fast forward to 2024, and once again, they entered the playoffs through the play-in only to fall in five games to the Celtics. The 2025 season, however, marked an unprecedented low as the Heat faced a humiliating first-round sweep at the hands of the Cavaliers, losing 124-87 and then 138-83 in Miami.
With only 37 regular season wins, the Heat struggled to compete at a playoff-worthy level. Coach Erik Spoelstra’s team exhibited extreme inconsistency, managing ten consecutive losses at one point, only to recover with six wins straight. They also became known for collapsing in crucial moments throughout games, resulting in a tumultuous season.
Another significant storyline was the saga of Jimmy Butler, who was traded to the Warriors in February following a period of turmoil. This five-team trade allowed the Heat to acquire Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and Davion Mitchell, along with a draft pick, effectively ending the Butler era in Miami.
On a brighter note, Tyler Herro had a commendable All-Star campaign, and rookie Kel’el Ware was recognized as part of the All-Rookie Second Team.
Summer Transactions
- Departures: Duncan Robinson, Kyle Anderson, Kevin Love, Haywood Highsmith, Isaiah Stevens, Josh Christopher, Alec Burks
- Extensions: Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, Keshad Johnson
- Arrivals: Norman Powell, Simone Fontecchio, Kasparas Jakucionis, Precious Achiuwa, Vladislav Goldin (two-way), Myron Gardner (two-way)
After an underwhelming playoff performance, many expected Pat Riley to take decisive action to revamp the struggling team. However, the Heat’s first major move was the acquisition of Simone Fontecchio for Duncan Robinson, who had been a fan favorite during his time in Miami.
Miami made a significant upgrade by bringing in Norman Powell from the Clippers. The 22-point-per-game shooting guard with a 42% three-point shooting rate is exactly what Coach Spoelstra needs, especially considering the loss of Anderson and Love in the trade.
Nonetheless, the Heat’s offseason was marked by missed opportunities, particularly when it came to pursuing Kevin Durant, who ultimately moved to Houston. Miami’s offer was insufficient in the eyes of the Brooklyn Nets.
Other notable transactions included extending the contract of fan-favorite Davion Mitchell, drafting Kasparas Jakucionis, and bringing back Precious Achiuwa to bolster the frontcourt.
Heat’s 2025-26 Roster
- Point Guards: Davion Mitchell, Kasparas Jakucionis
- Shooting Guards: Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, Terry Rozier, Pelle Larsson, Dru Smith
- Small Forwards: Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Simone Fontecchio, Keshad Johnson, Myron Gardner (two-way)
- Power Forwards: Nikola Jovic, Precious Achiuwa
- Centers: Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware, Vladislav Goldin (two-way)
Bold indicates projected starters, according to sources close to the team.
With Jimmy Butler’s exit, the Heat’s roster has been restructured around the duo of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Although Herro will miss the start of the season due to injury, the primary focus will be on how Coach Spoelstra integrates talent around them.
Spoelstra has options; while Wiggins seems poised to start at small forward, he could pair Herro with either Powell for offensive boosts or Mitchell for a defensive focus. In the front court, Spoelstra might opt for a duo with Adebayo and Ware, or he could start Jovic alongside Adebayo.
Spoelstra is expected to experiment with different combinations to determine what works best. The Heat’s roster, while not groundbreaking, does have a good mix of depth (Jaquez Jr. and Fontecchio) alongside young talent (Jakucionis and Larsson), providing numerous combinations to explore.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for the 2025-26 Season
The primary goal for the Heat this season will be to overcome the disappointment of the previous year, tapping into the franchise’s core values: collective strength, defensive prowess, and resilience. Essentially, they aim to revive the #HeatCulture.
Fortunately for Miami, the Eastern Conference landscape appears to be shifting, with potential setbacks for teams like Boston, Indiana, and Milwaukee due to injuries or departures. This gives the Heat an opportunity to aim for a better playoff position beyond the play-in rounds.
There are also valid reasons to anticipate an improved performance this season, including Herro’s potential for growth, Powell’s efforts in his contract year, and rising stars like Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic. Add to that a driven Adebayo looking for redemption, and Butler’s absence could foster a more harmonious atmosphere. The challenge will be whether Herro’s absence during tough early games will be detrimental.
Ultimately, Erik Spoelstra remains a top-tier coach who knows how to maximize his team’s potential. After facing adversity, he often finds ways to adapt and motivate, hinting that we could see some creative strategies play out on the court this season.
Writer’s Prediction: 40 wins – 42 losses
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
Having navigated their university courses side by side for years, their teamwork on the site is nothing short of dynamic. Together, they bring a unique blend of insights, proving that two heads are indeed better than one in delivering compelling content.
