Now that the New York Knicks have officially claimed victory as 2025-2026 NBA season champions, the focus of basketball experts and fans is on a very active summer offseason. By far, the biggest shakeup in the league overall was the deal between the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks. To acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis, the Heat gave up Tyler Herro, Kyle Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kaspars Jaksionis, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, unprotected first-round picks in 2013 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick.
On paper, the Heat’s acquisition of Antetokounmpo boosts their position in the Eastern Conference, as they already have heavy hitters Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins. However, if the Heat hope to compete with the Knicks and current Boston Celtics next season, the team’s roster in the backcourt could use some filling out with Herro’s departure.
With all that being said, there are some guards on the market who could pair well with Heat point guard Davion Mitchell. Will one of them be the missing piece to help form the new Big Three in Miami?
Could vintage Klay Thompson be a key piece for Miami?
Klay Thompson’s tenure with the Dallas Mavericks has, for all intents and purposes, been a disaster. Since leaving the Warriors, he has dropped in point production, rebounds, assists and minutes played. However, I strongly believe that if given the right roster he has the ability and talent to make a big “shine” again.
Thompson playing in Miami will likely prove to be less stressful for him, as he will be more of a third scoring option behind Bam and Antetokounmpo. Additionally, the Heat have an experienced coach in Erik Spoelstra, who will likely have extensive experience with players to help “lock in” Thompson and return to form.
Let’s say Thompson can average 19 points per game reminiscent of his Warriors years, which would be a huge help to Miami, a team that has struggled with offensive firepower at times. And if he’s knocking down threes, that’s even better, because that means he’s helping stretch the floor.
Bradley Beal possibly leaving the Clippers
On the afternoon of June 29, news quickly spread that the LA Clippers’ Bradley Beal declined his $5.6 player option for next season, meaning he is now an unrestricted free agent. To be honest, his limited time with the Clippers was not good. He averaged just over 8 points per game. However, if you look back at his time with the Suns, and more importantly, the Washington Wizards, you will be reminded that Beal is a great shooting guard.
Beal would pair well with Mitchell in the backcourt, with Mitchell threading the needle between point players, and if Beal is in his old form, he would help spread the floor. The only question that arises from the Heat acquiring Beal is whether or not he will be comfortable as a third scoring option.
Ben Simmons wants to return to the league and join the Heat
Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images
In a new interview with men’s Health, Ben Simmons talked about his desire to return to the NBA. Not only that, when asked about the destination, he mentioned Miami, saying, “Miami would be nice. And not because it’s Miami – I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture.”
That being said, questions naturally arise about Simmons’ health and fitness. NBA fans will remember that he spent his last stint in the league battling back problems and mental health issues. Unfortunately, this led to a decline in his statistics.
But looking back, before Simmons’ bad run, he was actually an All-Star. In his second year in the NBA with the 76ers, he averaged 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists a game. Although that was around 2018-2019, Simmons is only 29 years old. If his health is good and he believes he can still make an impact on the team, the Heat could be a good fit. Let’s not forget, Miami saw value in Jimmy Butler after he was waived by the 76ers after an unsuccessful stint in Minnesota.
So what do you think? Could Thompson, Beal, or Simmons be the piece Miami needs to contend? Personally, I’m keeping my eye on Beal.
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