The Miami Heat has had a busy offseason, revamping their roster with the blockbuster trade that brought in two-time NBA MVP and one-time NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo.
They are essentially set around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo as the main engines of their offense. Other key offseason signings include Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bobby Portis.
However, they still have one standard roster spot to fill before training camp begins, and recent reports suggest that Miami is looking for a veteran guard to fill that final hole in the lineup.
This final signing should add backup creation, shooting and playoff experience without compromising its team identity or salary cap limitations.
Davion Mitchell is currently the team’s their primary playmaker, while its other guards add shooting and energy off the bench. This limited secondary playmaking doesn’t sit well with their two non-shooting bigs, especially if Mitchell sits to rest. But the hard cap near the first apron after the Antetokounmpo trade forces the Heat to find a minimum deal that prioritizes fit and culture over name value.
Three names stand out in this category, and they tick all the boxes the Heat want: Gabe Vincent, D’Angelo Russell and Cam Payne.
Vincent is the strongest organizational fit, as he’s a former Miami player who embodied the team’s culture. Spoelstra and Adebayo trusted him, and he's already proven himself in the playoffs..
Next is Russell, who has the highest offensive upside among the three if he becomes available through a buyout or waiver. He can shoot, create and run a second unit. However, his upside is almost matched by his downside, as his durability, consistency and fit with the team are the biggest looming questions.
Meanwhile, Payne is an experienced backup who can push the pace and knock down threes. He also played alongside Antetokounmpo and Portis during the 2023-24 season, when he played 47 games for the Milwaukee Bucks.
However, Vincent is the best fit and best value if he takes the minimum deal. His chemistry, defense and postseason experience outweigh Russell and Payne’s.
In his four-year run with the Heat from 2019 to 2023, he averaged 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 195 games. Most importantly, he was a key piece in Miami’s Cinderella run to the 2023 NBA Finals.
Miami doesn’t need another star because it already has two; the team needs a reliable 8th-10th man who can run plays and be ready for a deep run in April and May.
Whoever the Heat find, they should sign a veteran who already understands the franchise’s standards, then let Spoelstra work his magic in camp.
If it finds the ideal player for the final roster spot, Miami will likely be fine in the East and should prepare for a long season ahead.
