Ranking Heat's top trade targets after 2024 NBA playoff loss

After an unlikely trip to the NBA Finals last season, the Miami Heat were eliminated in the first round this time around.

The Heat escaped the play-in tournament but were no match for the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics after losing in five games.

While everyone was wondering if this club could flip the proverbial switch again, this early loss could reveal some flaws in the franchise formula. Most importantly, the Heat don't have an overwhelming amount of talent.

However, the trading market could offer a chance to correct this.

The Heat need more size, be it next to or behind Bam Adebayo. They also have a standing order for more stretch in advance.

Isaiah Stewart could check both boxes.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder uses his voracious energy and impressive 7-foot wingspan to play beyond his size, and he can play a helpful role in paint protection and glass cleaning. He also showed his most promising potential this season (by far) as a perimeter shooter, as he averaged 1.5 three-pointers and made 38.3 percent of his long-range shots.

After four disastrous seasons in Detroit, he might relish the opportunity to land in a more competitive environment. Miami, on the other hand, should have no problem incorporating someone with his energy and fight into its famous culture.

If the Heat are fully focused on the backcourt of Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier – Herro is under contract through 2026-27, Rozier's salary for 2025-26 is almost fully guaranteed – they will need as many fullbacks as they can get .

Few are better in that role than Alex Caruso, who should have done enough to earn All-Defensive honors for the second straight year.

Caruso combines energy, intelligence and skill in a way that makes Miami fans believe he was raised in the Erik Spoelstra way long ago. Caruso understands that playing hard is a skill, and he never falls short in that category. He's also versatile enough to fit into any role imaginable, meaning he can be used alongside one, both, or neither of these scorers.

The Heat may need several firsts to lure Caruso away from Chicago, but given his lack of potential on this roster, it could be worth it.

As teams look for stars this summer, the basketball world's biggest dreamers will be looking to Northeast Ohio. At this point, it looks like Donovan Mitchell, who could hit free agency next summer, could request a ticket out of town at any moment.

NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that there is “growing belief among rival teams” that Cleveland “will be forced to trade Mitchell” if it doesn't get his commitment to a contract extension. Making matters worse for the Cavs is that “the buzz in NBA circles” suggests Mitchell would need an NBA Finals run to make this signing, according to B/R's Eric Pincus.

At the very least, it feels like Mitchell is on the short list of stars most likely to request a trade. While disgruntled elites always grab this franchise's attention, interest in Mitchell could be even greater. He is the high-end shot creator this roster so desperately needs, has a close bond with Heat legend Dwyane Wade and is also close with Adebayo.

Mitchell, who averaged 26.6 points and a career-high 6.1 assists this season, would be the type of difference-maker who could convince Miami to empty its collection of assets for him. It might take multiple picks, Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and more to get Mitchell, but it's hard to think of a realistically available player who would give the Heat a better chance of competing in the remainder of Jimmy Butler's prime .