The Miami Heat are opting for a developmental approach heading into the next phase of their team-building process following a 37-45 finish last season.
According to multiple sources familiar with the organization’s thinking, the Heat plan to prioritize internal growth and player development while keeping the flexibility necessary to pursue high-level talent should the right opportunity arise.
Young Core at the Center of Miami’s Strategy
Despite President Pat Riley publicly calling for changes in May, the Heat retained 13 of their 15 players from last season. Rather than overhaul the roster, the organization is focusing on evaluating and empowering its young core.
Sources say Erik Spoelstra will be given the chance to develop emerging talent like Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, and 2025 first-round pick Kasparas Jakucionis through full training camp participation and expanded in-season roles.
“We’re getting them in their developmental years,” said one team source, emphasizing Miami’s confidence in the upside of its young players.
The front office views their larger roles as a form of “internal change,” with an expectation that improvement can come organically rather than through blockbuster trades or free agent additions.
No Rebuild in Sight – Bam and Herro Staying Put
There’s been no indication that the Heat are considering a full rebuild. In fact, sources directly pushed back on speculation about potentially trading Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro for draft picks.
While Miami does have extra first-round selections from recent deals, the team is not aiming to tear things down in favor of a reset.
Instead, the Heat continue to believe Adebayo and Herro are foundational players for the franchise and would play a key role in both the development of younger teammates and the recruitment of star talent.
Open to Stars – But Selective on Price and Fit
Miami is still monitoring the league for potential superstar movement. The Heat are expected to have interest in pursuing a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Milwaukee Bucks were to make him available.
However, multiple sources admitted that Miami may not have the same level of draft capital as other suitors such as the Rockets, Spurs, or Knicks.
The Heat also made serious attempts to trade for Kevin Durant in the past, but ultimately chose not to part with multiple assets for the 36-year-old.
Miami’s leadership was reportedly concerned about Durant’s age and how long he could realistically extend their championship window. The team concluded that holding onto assets for a potential younger star was a more sustainable long-term strategy.
Cap Management and Terry Rozier’s Future
While managing the salary cap remains a factor, sources said Miami is not currently focused on creating 2026 cap space, despite previous indications. The front office’s current priority is roster flexibility under the luxury tax threshold, not clearing room two years out.
Terry Rozier, whose $26.6 million salary has led to speculation he could be waived and stretched, is not expected to be released, according to sources.
Instead, Miami plans to either retain Rozier as part of its rotation or explore trade options during the season, again pointing to a desire for flexibility without gutting roster depth.
Summary
In short, the Heat are threading a careful balance: They’re not blowing up the core, but they’re not blindly running it back either.
The focus is now on giving their young players real developmental chances under a proven coaching staff, maintaining optionality for star acquisitions, and avoiding long-term financial entanglements.
With a roster still anchored by Adebayo and Herro, and now reinforced by potential in-house risers, Miami is betting that measured growth, not desperation, will be their path back to contention.
Heat Focused On Young Core Development While Keeping Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro https://t.co/N2WOdZIJv1
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 2, 2025
