The Miami Heat were one of the biggest winners this offseason after landing Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. They will pair him with their franchise player, Bam Adebayo, to form a lethal frontcourt duo that will terrorize opposing teams on both ends of the floor.
However, their combined pay of $108 million next season takes up 68% of the team’s salary cap, making it more challenging to build around the superstar big men.
Fortunately, there are three free agents Miami can sign who can add significant value, address holes and offer low risk with high upside.
First, DeMar DeRozan, who’s still an efficient scorer at 36 years old. Last season, he averaged 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 47.1% shooting. He fills a big void in Miami’s midrange efficiency as a third option and an elite closer. The veteran swingman’s playoff experience, leadership and still-solid defense will fit seamlessly with the Heat’s culture.
Although unlikely, DeRozan may also accept a role as a sixth man and become a sparkplug off the bench to provide scoring when the starters are off the floor.
Next is Russell Westbrook, who played alongside DeRozan with the Sacramento Kings last season. The former NBA MVP’s biggest case to join Miami is his playmaking and ability to push the pace. In 64 games in 2025-26, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists, proving he’s still an elite point guard in the league.
Although his lack of shooting will not help the team’s spacing, Westbrook can provide Antetokounmpo and Adebayo easy looks with pick-and-roll plays. He also has the ability to make them even more dangerous as constant lob threats. The 37-year-old can also accept a role off the bench and provide much-needed breaks for the starters while maintaining the same energy on both ends.
Last on the list is Bradley Beal. The three-time All-Star will instantly improve the team’s shooting, especially from beyond the arc, as he owns a career average of 37.6%.
Beal is another player who has the ability to step up and can provide off-ball scoring. He would feast from the midrange and three-point shots once Antetokounmpo and Adebayo pulled the defense inside the paint with kickouts to him.
However, unlike DeRozan and Westbrook, Beal is not as good a defender as them. There are also questions surrounding his conditioning after undergoing hip fracture surgery in November.
Regardless of who the Heat signs among the three, they would cover several of the team’s needs, be it in playmaking or floor spacing.
Miami can offer mid-level or veteran’s minimum contracts, giving the franchise more flexibility without compromising its future.
The only question is, are these players willing to take a pay cut to contend at the twilight of their careers?
