Woj: Heat Could Pursue Trade for All-Star-Level Player During NBA Offseason

The Miami Heat are heading to the postseason after beating the Chicago Bulls in the play-in tournament Friday night, but the team could be gearing up for a big offseason.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Heat could pursue an All-Star-level player in a trade this summer. Wojnarowski believes players around the league want to play in Miami, which would be huge in a potential trade.

"Miami is always in a great position," Wojnarowski said. "Especially if it's players with not a lot left on their contract, one year or two years, and they tell their team 'I want a trade to the Heat, and if you don't send me to the Heat, I'm going to become a free agent and go somewhere else...' Now, teams can still decide to send you where they want to send you. But it's always an advantage for Miami. Players want to be a part of that organization."

Wojnarowski also specified that the All-Star-level player the Heat pursue could be a younger player that matches the timeline of Jimmy Butler's co-star Bam Adebayo, who is 26.

"So I think Miami will be in a position again, use the assets they have, to go out and get another All-Star level player that maybe connects more on the timeline of Bam Adebayo and his age," Wojnarowski said.

The Heat have found success since Jimmy Butler joined the roster in 2019. They've reached the Finals twice and have appeared in the playoffs in each of the last five years. Miami hasn't been able to get over the hump and win its first championship since LeBron James was in town.

Adding another All-Star could give the Heat the nudge they need.

They struck out last season while pursuing Damian Lillard, who was ultimately traded from the Portland Trailblazers to the Milwaukee Bucks, but a new market this season could work in their favor.

Miami could pursue a young star from a struggling team or go for the home run and try to trade from a rival in the East. The Heat could also pursue a free agent, but that might be a more difficult task with cap space limitations. Some notable free agents the Heat could eye this offseason could be Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey or Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George.

For now, Miami will focus on the task at hand as it prepares for a tough series against the top-seeded Boston Celtics.