Season Preview: Miami Heat

by Tyler Matheny

In the 2024-2025 season, the Miami Heat were a big disappointment. The Jimmy Butler drama took up a chunk of the headlines, and if not that, it was about all the blown leads.

They led the league in fourth quarter leads in losses with 21. They surprisingly snuck into the postseason with a 37-45 record, good for 10th in the conference. Unsurprisingly, they would then be swept by the Cavaliers in dominating fashion.

However, the Heat have made good moves in the offseason to make this team a contender in a struggling eastern conference. They would trade for Clippers guard Norman Powell after a career year, and they didn't have to give up much (Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson). They would also draft Kasparas Jakucionis, who played well in the summer league. Finally, they also re-signed Davion Mitchell on a cheap deal (2 years 24 million, $12,000,000 a year). Mitchell proved to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league in his short time last season, so this contract is more of a “prove it” deal. 

Even with the loss of fan favorite sharpshooter, Duncan Robinson, this team still improved massively compared to last year's team.  The eastern conference is beaten down heavily right now, with injuries to Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton. The Heat were able to sneak into the postseason with all of the adversity and drama surrounding the team last season, this team should easily make the playoffs this season as one of the higher seeds. 

Final prediction: 48-34, 4th seed

Key acquisitions: Norman Powell,  Kasparas Jakucionis, Davion Mitchell (extension)

Key departures: Kevin Love, Haywood Highsmith, Kyle Anderson, Duncan Robinson

Projected Starting 5: 

PG: Tyler Herro SG: Norman Powell SF: Andrew Wiggins PF: Bam Adebayo C: Kel’el Ware