The Miami Heat's star-hunting pursuit has had them preserving their cap space to use on a big fish that has yet to come. With the report that it can take them until 2027 or 2028 before they can potentially cash in on their incredibly risky bet, the first-round pick they owe the Charlotte Hornets has become juicier than ever.
It's hard to forget that the Hornets own Miami's 2027 lottery-protected first-round selection, acquired in the Terry Rozier trade in 2024. If the Heat don't make the 2027 playoffs, their pick will convey to an unprotected 2028 first-rounder.
Earlier this season, Heat fans demanded the return of the draft pick following Rozier's gambling scandal. Some of them contended that Charlotte had failed to disclose to the Heat that the guard had been the subject of a federal investigation when the deal was consummated. However, the fact that the league, which was also aware of the investigation, allowed the trade to push through negated that argument.
Now, Rozier has become a negative asset, limiting the Heat's potential chase for a star, such as Ja Morant. However, ESPN's Brian Windhorst recently reported that they have been "overstated as a potential destination" for the Memphis Grizzlies.
According to Windhorst, "The Heat have been laser focused on avoiding taking on money for the 2027-28 offseason — a season when, as of right now, [Giannis] Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Donovan Mitchell, among others, could all be unrestricted free agents."
Heat fizzling out would be a boon for Hornets
The problem with Miami's reported plan is that it has failed to reel in a superstar in free agency markets in recent years. And not going all-in on a new franchise cornerstone in the next one or two years could mean more seasons of mediocrity. Not that Charlotte would complain about such a turn of events, as it would grant the team either a middle to late first-round pick in 2027 or a lottery selection in 2028.
Another issue for the Heat is that they would be banking on the availability of the stars who fit their criteria and who actually want to go to Miami. For all we know, the possible targets mentioned could already be locked into long-term contracts with their current or new squads before the 2027 or 2028 offseasons.
The Heat's risky play also shows why the Hornets have done right by building the foundation of their roster through the draft. If a large-market team renowned for being a prominent destination for NBA players can’t bring in a top-tier free agent, it’s difficult to imagine Charlotte being an alluring landing spot for that kind of player. The good news for Buzz City is that Miami can help it strengthen its roster further with another likely valuable draft pick in 2027 or 2028.