“There’s winning, and then there’s misery,” as Miami HEAT president Pat Riley famously said. There are no in between for competitors. Either you remember the triumphant moments that brought a smile to your face every day, or you sit for days thinking about what might have been. Well, the Heat experienced the latter as their season ended against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Without Jimmy Butler, competing against an elite team like Boston was always a tall task. This season has showed promise at times, but never ultimately came together as the Heat have hoped.

Now, the Heat must focus on the future and how they can become title contenders once again. Undoubtedly, they have huge intentions, and rumors have it that they hope to add another star on the same timeline as their All-star center, Bam Adebayo. However, work remains for the Heat in this new quest.

As the Heat prepare for a reflective offseason, here are the things they are facing:

Jimmy Butler’s Extension

The center of the Heat’s offseason outlook is the upcoming Butler contract extension talks. Starting on July 7th, the Heat and Butler can begin negotiations on a max extension. Butler will likely approach the Heat this offseason for a maximum two-year contract extension valued at approximately $113 million, according to the Miami Herald. In 2021, Butler agreed to a $146.4 million, three-year contract that included a $52.4 million player option for the 2025–2026 season. Butler appears to be planning to pursue a new agreement with the Heat, which would take the place of the previous option and start that year.

Since signing with the HEAT in 2019, Butler has led the team to three eastern conference finals appearances and two NBA finals appearances. However, he has missed a lot of games with injuries and load management over the years as he ages. Re-signing Butler to this new deal has its risks. But if Miami decides not to go forward with it, it could lead to a disgruntled Butler heading into the 2024-25 season. Butler has always said he wants to retire with the Heat. We will see how these negotiations go over the coming months.

Bam Adebayo’s Extension

Like Butler, Bam Adebayo will also be eligible for a max extension this summer. Adebayo would be eligible to sign a $245 million, four-year supermax extension with the Heat if he fulfills the supermax requirements. Being nominated for Defensive Player of the Year or making one of the first, second, or third All-NBA teams this season will qualify him for the supermax extension. Alternatively, he would be eligible for a three-year, $165 million extension that would not kick in until the 2026-27 season.

Don’t expect much drama to occur between the HEAT and Adebayo. Adebayo has become one of the best centers in the NBA. He’s the cornerstone of the franchise and likely continue to recruit other stars to join him in Miami. Furthermore, he’s only 26 years old. Expect Miami to offer the full max extension.

Star Hunting?

Just as they did when they went for Damian Lillard last off-season, the Heat will undoubtedly want to go star hunting again. They usually are rumored as potential destinations for star players, as they were with Bradley Beal before he got traded to Phoenix. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski expects them to go star hunting again. Wojnarowski believes Miami is “in a great position” to use some of its assets to swing for a big trade. 

The majority of NBA teams are monitoring the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland may consider trading Donovan Mitchell if they believe he won’t sign an extension. Brandon Ingram, who’s eligible for extension talks, might be shopped by the New Orleans Pelicans. Trae Young is another name discussed among league circles as a star who could be traded. What Miami has to work with will determine how practical that is.

Free Agency

The Heat currently has seven players on guaranteed deals. Additionally, there are four players with player options such as Kevin Love, Josh Richardson, Caleb Martin, and Thomas Bryant. Given the weak market and the lack of wing players, there’s a great chance Martin decides to opt out of his contract. Miami also has restricted free agents in Haywood Highsmith, Alondes Williams, Cole Swider, and Jamal Cain. Delon Wright and Patty Mills are both unrestricted free agents.

All moves and decisions will be made with the second apron in mind. According to Spotrac’s current cap projections, the first apron is expected to be about $178.7 million with the second apron expected to be around $189.5 million. Assuming all options are exercised, the Heat would have $182.3 million in taxable salary on its books—nearly $5 million tucked between the first and second apron. This doesn’t account for the Heat’s 2024 first and second round draft picks. In all, don’t automatically assume every Heat free agent will be back.

An off-season of questions awaits the HEAT. We’ll see what direction they will go.

The Miami Heat, predictably, made no moves after the NBA Trade Deadline passed. The Heat have often followed this pattern in recent years, but this time there was some difference. Prior to the trade deadline, Miami completed a trade when they acquired Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets for Kyle Lowry and a lottery protected first round pick. Once that move was made, you could already guess the Heat were done making moves. With Lowry’s expiring gone, the only other big trade chips were Duncan Robinson, Rozier, and Tyler Herro. And the Heat weren’t trading either. At least at this deadline.

But one might anticipate that the Heat will be active in the buyout market, as they were the previous season when they acquired Cody Zeller and Kevin Love, the latter of whom has proven to be a great rotational player and has worked out incredibly well. In order for Miami to finish strong and make another push at the playoffs, they are searching for a player who can make an impact on the same level and fill a gap. It’s crucial to keep in mind that Miami has limitations on the players it may sign according to the “new collective-bargaining agreement, or CBA, which allows teams positioned where the Heat stand against the luxury tax to only sign waived players whose current salary is at no more than league average of $12.4 million.

Basically, that leaves out players such as Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, and others who salaries are higher than that number. However, there are still players under that who could be on the Heat’s radar. We take a look at a few of them below.

Danilo Gallinari (Free Agent)

Danilo Gallinari has been linked to the Miami Heat for years. Back in 2020, the Heat attempted to acquire Gallinari at the trade deadline. But those talks failed after Gallinari and the Heat failed to agree on an extension. It will not be surprising to see Miami go after him again now he’s a free agent.

Despite being 35 years old, he can still contribute some energy to a team as a reserve and add size at 6 feet 10 inches. Miami is devoid of both size and a real power forward, particularly one with the ability to shoot three pointers as he is only shooting 38 percent from downtown in his career. Gallinari is currently making $6.8 million this season, which satisfies the Heat’s restriction.

Thad Young (Free Agent)

Thaddeus Young was included in the deal that sent Dennis Schroder from the Toronto Raptors to the Brooklyn Nets. Following the trade, Young was reportedly waived by the Nets, according to reports. These days, the 35-year-old forward serves as a backup center, mostly providing playmaking and crafty plays around the rim. Young is not the defender he once was. However, He’s known for being a great locker room presence. He has tons of playoff experiences dating back to 2008. He can fill in and provide some minutes if there’s any injuries.

Killian Hayes (Free Agent)

One of the surprising moves at the deadline came when the Detroit Pistons waived Killian Hayes. After failing to find a trade and needing roster spots, the team ultimately decided to cut ties with the 22-year-old guard. Even though he started most of his games for Detroit, he was never able to establish a rhythm, partly because of his poor shooting consistency. Nevertheless, he is still very young and has talent that could give him a look from teams. Miami is one of the best developmental teams in the league. This could be one player they take a chance on.

Otto Porter Jr, Utah Jazz

At the Trade Deadline, Otto Porter Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a deal sending Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji to the Raptors. Porter Jr was essential to the Golden State Warriors‘ 2022 championship run. He hasn’t played as much since then due to injuries. Despite this teams were interested in pursuing him during the trade deadline. For playoff teams, Porter Jr. may bring playoff experience and leadership to a locker room if bought out. And if healthy, a versatile 3 & D wing player on the court.

Delon Wright, Washington Wizards

The younger brother of former Miami Heat player Dorell Wright, Delon Wright may be one of the best options on the market. He’s likely to get calls from just about any contender. Wright is the kind of player that contenders love—a tall, long guard with defensive versatility. Despite being an average shooter from beyond the arc, he makes most of his impact on the court with his point of attack defense. Wright can match up against many wings as well as standard ball-handling guards thanks to his 6-foot-7.75 wingspan. If or when he’s bought out, this is a name to watch.