Currently, the Miami Heat are embroiled in another Jimmy Butler controversy. Butler, who has created significant tension within the team, was suspended for the third time this season after walking out on a team shootaround upon learning that Haywood Highsmith would start over him.
The Heat are open to trading Butler, a five-time All-NBA selection, but his reputation for wearing out his welcome in Chicago, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and now Miami has limited interest from other teams. The Phoenix Suns are the only team showing interest, but Miami has declined an offer involving Bradley Beal, preferring to preserve their future financial flexibility.
Miami’s Focus on Future Talent
According to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the Heat aim to secure an All-Star-caliber player during the 2026 offseason. One target is Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
“According to a source,” the article reports, “the Heat also has felt it should receive a carrot (likely a draft pick) if it takes players whose contracts run through next season. Taking on non-All-Stars whose contracts run past 2025-26 has been a non-starter for Miami, which is positioned to have more than $80 million in cap space that summer. Several All-Stars, including Luka Doncic, are eligible to become free agents that summer.”
Doncic, who has a player option for the 2026-27 season worth $48.97 million, could also sign a super-max extension worth over $346 million for five years this offseason, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. It seems unlikely that the Mavericks wouldn’t offer such a deal or that Doncic wouldn’t accept it.
The Mavericks have excelled at building a strong roster around Doncic in recent years, leading to two deep playoff runs, including a trip to the NBA Finals last season. Despite dealing with injuries, Doncic has proven his immense value to Dallas, making him worth every penny of a potential $346 million contract.
