Miami Heat Could Land $215 Million Star in Trade with East Rival

The Miami Heat seem to be stuck in NBA no man's land at the moment. They suffered a first-round exit from the playoffs last season. That did not lead to them strengthening over the offseason. But at the same time, they do not seem to be planning to tank either.

One could argue that the Heat are slightly weaker going into the 24-25 season, with Caleb Martin leaving for Philadelphia over the summer.

A lot of trade ideas involving the Heat have been floated in recent weeks. Most of them include Jimmy Butler or Tyler Herro leaving South Beach.

But what if the Heat decided to stick with both and instead make a win-now move by parting with draft capital?

Grant Hughes suggested a trade on Bleacher Report in the article '5 Blockbuster Trades to Build New NBA Title Favorites' that would see the Heat receive Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks for Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, 2028 first-round swap, 2029 first-round pick, 2030 first-round swap, 2031 first-round pick.

Hughes wrote: "Young is due to earn $43 million next year and $46 million in 2025-26 with a $49 million player option for 2026-27. That's a hefty price tag for an offense-only guard whose leadership qualities haven't exactly shone through to this point in his career. But he'd cure what ails the Heat by providing the reliable shot creation and perimeter scoring that has eluded them for years.

"Miami's offense has ranked above the league average just once in the last four years, and it's been a bottom-10 producer in each of the past two seasons. Scoring woes have essentially wasted a perennial top-10 defense.

"If any team is equipped to onboard Young, an extreme one-way player, it's this one."

Of course, this would be the ultimate win-now move on the part of the Heat, especially with the future of Butler in doubt. But one could argue that they already have enough quality young talent on their roster to justify a risk.

Young would certainly solve a lot of the Heat's problems. Offensively, he is an elite player. It is on the other end of the floor where his problems lie.

Maybe the Heat's work rate could minimize Young's weaknesses. Potentially even bring the best out of him.

Related: San Antonio Spurs Could Land Jimmy Butler from Miami Heat in Blockbuster Trade