The Miami Heat are expected to be one of the most active teams this offseason after what has become a frustrating stretch of four straight Play-In Tournament appearances.
That consistent middling performance appears to have pushed the franchise toward a more aggressive approach, as they now aim to reshape the roster with major additions capable of lifting them back into true contention.
One name beginning to surface in that conversation is Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. According to Bleacher Report analyst Andy Bailey, Miami should at least explore trade talks with Dallas involving the veteran star.
In Bailey’s proposed deal, the Heat would acquire Irving while sending Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and a 2031 first-round pick swap to the Mavericks.
While Irving is not currently viewed as Miami’s primary offseason target, with bigger names like Giannis Antetokounmpo still on their radar, the idea of adding his scoring ability and playoff experience to South Beach remains an intriguing possibility that cannot be dismissed.
How the Heat Can Get Irving
Irving’s contract is substantial, though not at the absolute max level, and still takes up significant cap space. He is set to make roughly $39 million next season as part of his three-year, $118.5 million extension with Dallas. With a player option for 2027–28, the Mavericks may also consider maximizing his value during this window.
Herro, meanwhile, is on an expiring contract and has frequently been discussed as a key trade asset for Miami. His salary lines up closely with Irving’s, which could help facilitate a deal without requiring the Heat to heavily deplete draft capital.
Jaquez Jr. complicates the equation slightly. Moving a young player with upside is never ideal, but his rookie-scale extension situation and expiring deal status make him a realistic inclusion if Miami decides to push for a win-now move centered on Irving.
Even so, the situation is far from simple. Reports indicate the Heat have already been willing to include both Herro and Jaquez in their pursuit of Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, meaning Miami may ultimately only land one of the two stars. While Antetokounmpo would be the ideal outcome, Milwaukee’s asking price could make that path difficult.
Irving’s Potential Fit in Miami With Giannis Antetokounmpo
On the court, Irving would immediately elevate Miami’s backcourt and provide a more dynamic offensive option than Herro. Paired with Bam Adebayo and potentially Antetokounmpo, the Heat could quickly re-enter the championship conversation.
“For the Miami Heat, this is sort of a short-term fix, but Bam Adebayo can’t be the only member of the organization who’s sick of the play-in tournament,” Bailey wrote. “Pairing him with Kyrie and surrounding them with shooting would give Miami a good shot of rising above that mix.”
However, Irving’s injury history remains a major concern. He missed the entire 2025–26 season while recovering from a torn ACL, and his availability has been inconsistent in recent years. Miami would be banking on a return to All-Star level production.
Even with those risks, the idea fits the Heat’s long-standing approach of star hunting. The franchise continues to rely on its culture, strong coaching under Erik Spoelstra, and Pat Riley’s reputation to attract top talent despite limited cap flexibility.