Miami already has Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo together. Now another star has appeared on the Heat’s radar. It could be Kyrie Irving. The superstar guard remains sidelined in Dallas after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. But as his return approaches, league executives are already considering where he could fit next.
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One of the earliest destinations under discussion is Miami, potentially forming an explosive trio in South Beach.
“Kyrie Irving trade scenarios are something that I think we are going to be talking about between now and the February 11th trade deadline as well,” said Jake Fischer on his show with Bleacher Report.
He specifically identified Miami as one of the earliest teams being viewed as a possible destination.
“There’s already been some rumblings of the Heat having interest in him. I think we’re going to have plenty of teams mentioned with trade interest for Kyrie Irving, especially once he comes back and showcases that he is fully healed from a torn ACL that kept him out for all of last season.”
And favoring the Heat, Fischer further added, “ Miami, with their point guard depth, are the early, early, early spots that people around the league are looking at as potential Kyrie Irving trade destination.”
For now, that is all it is: league interest and an early potential landing spot rather than an indication that the Heat and Mavericks are negotiating a deal.
Kyrie Irving is entering the second season of a three-year, $118 million contract, with $39 million due in 2026-27 and a $42 million player option for the following season.
The bigger reason Miami makes sense is obvious.
The Heat already made the biggest move of their offseason by acquiring Giannis from Milwaukee. The 2x MVP now joins Bam Adebayo, giving Eric Spoelstra an elite frontcourt combination built around size, defense, and playmaking. Miami also added Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. to strengthen the perimeter around its new centerpiece.
Adding Irving would change the shape of that offense completely.
The Heat could use another elite creator who can generate a shot late in the clock, manipulate defenses with his handle and punish teams for helping too heavily against Giannis. Adebayo could operate more as a screener, passes, interior threat while Irving handles a larger share of the half-court creation.
There is one major variable, though: Kai has to return first.
The 34-year-old guard has not played since tearing his left ACL in March, 2025. He subsequently missed the entire 2025-26 season. Now, he has completed a 19-month rehab before reporting to Dallas for training camp.
At Mavericks Media Day, Irving said he entered camp with no physical restrictions and declared himself ready to return.
That is important for any potential trade market.
Now that we have reason to believe Irving is ready to hit the floor, we need to address an important subject. Why will the 9x All-Star leave Texas?
Meanwhile, the Mavs have a complicated decision of their own. The team has Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in 2025, as the centerpiece of a much younger roster. And Irving provides veteran leadership alongside him.
That does not mean Dallas is preparing to trade Irving. In fact, Kai has repeatedly embraced his role around Flagg and enters camp expecting to play. But his contract value also gives the Mavs a substantial asset if their direction changes before the deadline.
A direction that heads to the developmental era, leaving Kai no room.
On the other hand, Miami’s situation is different. The Heat have already committed to winning now.
Miami’s win-now approach makes Irving an intriguing target, but any pursuit would require serious financial and roster sacrifices.
A package centered around Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell, along with a future first-round pick or Nikola Jovic, could be necessary. For now, Miami remains an early destination to monitor as Irving works toward his return.