Although the Sacramento , that could change mid-season, as the are expected to have eyes on the situation. The , which is an option the team could revisit during the 2026-27 season.
The Heat LaVine and other veterans’ situations throughout the season, per The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
“For the modern sports fan, so much of the focus is about what’s next. So even after a summer in which Miami acquired a two-time MVP (Giannis Antetokounmpo) and another future Hall of Famer (Klay Thompson), the questions keep coming about which player the Heat can now add to put it over the top. Quick answer: At the moment, nobody. But that could change at February’s trade deadline,” Jackson said.
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“It could change next summer if a former All-Star past his prime decides to sign with the Heat for the full nontaxpayer midlevel exception, a mechanism Miami has preserved for the 2027 offseason. Three former All-Star guards who have been a source of speculation — Kyrie Irving, and Jrue Holiday — would all boost the Heat’s title hopes.”
However, prying both veterans Kyrie Irving and Jrue Holiday from their respective teams mid-season could be challenging for very different reasons.
“It’s difficult to see a path for Miami to acquire Irving and Holiday,” Jackson added. “The question with LaVine is this: If the Kings are out of contention in February, as expected, would he give up the prorated portion of his $48.9 million salary to take a buyout and join the Heat or another team? It’s certainly not out of the question, but we’re talking about a sizable chunk of cash. And he also would be giving up his Bird rights. So the odds are against it.
Still, LaVine has expressed interest in joining a contending team, which could work in the Heat’s favor if he’s to reach a buyout with the Kings this upcoming season.
LaVine recently said this in an interview with hoopshype.com: “For me, I’ve done a lot of things individually. And you just keep pressing to try to fulfill more and more goals, winning, trying to get deep in the playoffs. Hopefully you get a chance to be able to play on a championship team. But you play the cards you’re dealt, and you just keep going at it.”
“The Heat could offer only a prorated share of the veteran’s minimum in a February buyout,” Jackson mentioned. “So LaVine likely would be giving up well over $10 million.”
As for Irving, reaching a potential buyout with the Mavericks mid-season could lead to other potential suitors, including the Heat, hoping to land the eight-time All-Star guard.
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