The Miami Heat 2023 Finals run may have done more harm than good, not on the court, but behind the scenes.
That’s the sentiment echoed by multiple NBA insiders this week, as concerns mount around Pat Riley’s direction for the franchise.
“The overall vision here feels outdated,” Sam Quinn of CBS Sports wrote. “The Heat appear far too comfortable being mediocre. They would likely prefer the term “patient.” In the late 2000s, they were comfortable punting away two seasons to create the cap space to sign LeBron James. Between the 2016-17 and 2018-19 seasons, they went two games above .500, seemingly in a holding pattern until the next star forced his way to Miami. Butler fell into their lap. Now, they seem to be acting somewhat similarly.”
Riley’s only big move this offseason was acquiring Norman Powell – not exactly the splash fans were hoping for. With the East getting stronger, the Heat risk falling further behind.
“They could reasonably hit the summer of 2026 with $30 or $40 million in cap space, with the potential for even more,” Keith Smith of Spotrac wrote stating the solution could be to embrace a “gap year” and reset.
“Obviously, if the Heat swing a star trade this offseason, that changes everything. Either way, they’re set up with pretty good flexibility no matter which direction they go.
“That means this might be another down year. Given Miami owns its own first-round pick free and clear in the 2026 draft, it might not be a bad time to have a gap year. Then, the Heat can get back to work with cap space and a good pick in the summer of 2026.”
Still, Riley appears hesitant to tear things down. And with the Heat missing out on Kevin Durant and other major targets, options are shrinking fast.
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