Proposed Trade Sends $90m Star to Miami Heat

After a first-round playoff elimination at the hands of the Boston Celtics and an 8th-place finish in the Eastern Conference over the regular season, Miami Heat fans had hoped for the team to be strengthened over the offseason.

The Heat were linked with Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant earlier in the summer. There was believed to be some interest in DeMar DeRozan as well. But ultimately, no significant addition was made to the roster.

One of the only positives this summer for the Heat has been Jimmy Butler remaining in Miami, following heavy speculation around his contract situation earlier in the offseason. His long-term future in South Beach remains clouded in uncertainty.

If the Heat can avoid fitness issues, they would be expected to do much better. It is worth noting that both Butler and Terry Rozier missed the playoff series against the Celtics last season.

On the other hand, there is also a belief that just that won't be enough. The Heat will need to strengthen if they are to be genuine contenders again, especially with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks improving significantly.

In the article '3-Team NBA Trade Ideas: Deals for Kyle Kuzma, Andrew Wiggins, Jerami Grant, More' on Bleacher Report , Greg Swartz suggested a three-team trade that would see the Heat receive Kyle Kuzma.

The Orlando Magic would get Malcolm Brogdon, Josh Richardson and 2026 second-round pick (via Los Angeles Lakers). The Washington Wizards would receive Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, Nikola Jovic, Duncan Robinson, 2029 first-round pick (top-5 protected, via Heat*).

Swartz wrote regarding Kuzma: "He'd be an ideal starting power forward between Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebyao as a scoring threat who can space the floor and serve as a willing passer."

Kuzma has been a solid contributor for the Wizards since being traded by the Lakers as part of the Russell Westbrook deal.

Right now, Kuzma has one of the most team-friendly deals in the NBA as well. The 29-year-old is entering the second season of a four-year, $90 million contract.

Kuzma's contract is structured with descending salaries year-over-year. It goes from him making $25.6 million in 2023-24 to $23.5 million in 2024-25 to $21.5 million in 2025-26 and finally $19.4 million in 2026-27.