The Miami Heat are perpetually linked to trade rumors involving the NBA’s top superstars. However, despite their consistent ambition, the front office rarely manages to land these blockbuster deals. Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, and Kevin Durant highlight the list of marquee players the Heat have missed out on this decade. Now, another opportunity to pursue Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, two of the summer’s most intriguing targets, is presenting itself. But will the Heat miss out again, or will they “settle” for a less glamorous option?
The Cost Equation and a Surprising Alternative
Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks are widely considered the most captivating trade targets this summer. However, predictions suggest that the Miami Heat’s front office could very well miss out on both due to the lucrative asking prices from the Bucks and Suns. This isn’t surprising, given the Heat’s history in the trade market, where they often face inflated demands or lack the assets to meet trade requirements.
Bleacher Report has made a notable prediction: if the Bucks’ and Suns’ trade demands prove too high, the Heat might pivot to pursuing New Orleans Pelicans star forward Trey Murphy III. The article states: “Miami has the right defensive infrastructure to surround Young with or could turn to Murphy as a cheaper option who can put up 20-plus points a game.”
Trey Murphy III inked a four-year, $112 million contract with the Pelicans in late 2024. Despite his recent signing, he’s already seen as available given New Orleans’ lackluster 2025 campaign. At just 24 years old, Murphy has already proven his capability to contribute to a championship contender, having averaged 21.2 points on 45.4 percent shooting in 53 appearances last year.
By no means does Murphy vault the Heat from a Round 1 exit to an immediate title contender. However, adding him to the rotation signals that team president Pat Riley is determined to avoid simply running it back with the current roster. This implies a more pragmatic strategy: instead of endlessly chasing unattainable “superstars,” the Heat might be looking for quality, system-fitting players with room to grow.
A Commitment to Change and the Heat’s Future
The decision to pursue Trey Murphy III, should it materialize, would mark a shift in the Miami Heat’s approach to the trade market. Instead of perpetually chasing improbable superstar dreams, they might be moving towards building a more balanced roster, grounded in promising young talent and players who align with Pat Riley’s philosophy. This doesn’t mean the Heat are abandoning their championship aspirations, but rather that they are seeking a more sustainable path to achieve them. Will Trey Murphy III be the silent “superstar” the Heat needs to reshape their future, or is this merely a temporary “settling” before a bigger opportunity arises? The answer will define the Heat’s strategy in the coming seasons.