The Miami Heat, fresh off a historic but ultimately short-lived playoff run as the first-ever 10th seed to emerge from the Play-In Tournament, are already looking ahead. Despite a tumultuous season marked by the contentious trade of Jimmy Butler and the recent acquisition of Andrew Wiggins, the team’s glaring deficiencies were brutally exposed in a first-round sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers. With a clear need for wing production, a surprising new target has emerged from the free agency pool: Kelly Oubre Jr. While the Heat recently brought in Wiggins, experts are now suggesting Oubre’s “versatile” 15.1-PPG scoring and defense could be the crucial addition Miami needs to compete in the demanding Eastern Conference.
The 2024-25 season was a roller coaster for the Miami Heat. After trading Jimmy Butler mid-season following multiple suspensions for “conduct detrimental to the team” and his trade request, Miami limped to a 37-45 regular season record. The five-team deal that sent Butler to the Golden State Warriors and brought Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and two picks to Miami undeniably altered their trajectory. Despite their struggles, the Heat pulled off a remarkable feat by defeating the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks in the Play-In Tournament to secure a playoff berth.
However, their postseason journey was abruptly cut short. Miami was utterly overmatched by the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, suffering a humbling sweep with an average deficit of 30.5 points per game. The series painfully highlighted a critical weakness: a severe lack of consistent production from their wing players. While Tyler Herro led Heat scorers with 17.8 PPG and Bam Adebayo dominated the boards with 11.0 RPG, Andrew Wiggins, the highly anticipated centerpiece of the Butler trade, delivered a disappointing 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in just under 31 minutes per game during the series. This performance underscored that Wiggins alone isn’t enough to fill the void left by Butler’s offensive firepower and two-way impact.
Enter Kelly Oubre Jr., a name now prominently linked to the Heat by PFSN’s Bjorn Bergstrom. Despite Oubre’s recent re-signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $16.36 million contract (which includes a player option he’s likely to decline for next season), Bergstrom’s prediction is noteworthy. He argues that while Wiggins provides some wing presence, “Miami suffered from a lack of production on the wing in the playoffs.” Bergstrom emphasizes Oubre’s consistent scoring, noting he’s “averaged over 15 points a night for the past seven seasons in starting and bench roles.” Crucially, Oubre is also lauded as a “versatile, hardworking defender who would fit with what the Heat want to be on that end.” This description aligns perfectly with the Heat’s famed “Heat Culture” — a system built on grit, defensive intensity, and versatile two-way players.
Oubre’s career trajectory supports this assessment. Drafted 15th overall in 2015, he has consistently proven his ability to contribute offensively, even reaching a career-high 20.3 points per game with the Charlotte Hornets in the 2022-23 season. His ability to score from various spots, coupled with his length and athleticism on defense, makes him an attractive target for a team looking to add depth and complementary scoring. His performance for the 76ers last season, averaging 15.4 PPG and starting all six playoff games, further solidifies his value as a reliable contributor on a contending team.
The potential signing of Oubre, even after acquiring Wiggins, signals Miami’s recognition that one player cannot solve their wing woes. Wiggins, while a talented defender and occasional scorer, has shown inconsistency, especially in high-pressure situations. Oubre, by contrast, brings a more consistent offensive punch and a relentless defensive motor that could significantly bolster the Heat’s overall competitiveness in the East. This strategic move would aim to create a more balanced and dynamic wing rotation, providing Head Coach Erik Spoelstra with more options and reliable production.
The Miami Heat’s predicted pursuit of Kelly Oubre Jr. in free agency, even after the Andrew Wiggins trade, speaks volumes about their commitment to addressing their glaring wing deficiencies. While the Heat made a memorable playoff run, their sweep by Cleveland exposed the need for more consistent two-way play. Oubre, with his proven scoring ability and versatile defense, represents a strong fit for “Heat Culture” and could provide the much-needed depth and complementary talent to support Herro, Adebayo, and Wiggins. This move would signify a focused effort by the Heat front office to re-establish themselves as a true contender in the Eastern Conference. As the offseason approaches, keeping an eye on Kelly Oubre Jr.’s player option decision and the Heat’s free agency moves will be crucial for understanding Miami’s path forward.