Among the clubs who might try to make a big impression by trading up to get a better pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is the Miami Heat, according to reports.
Sam Amico of Hoops Wire reported, “One league source told Hoops Wire last week that he envisions the [Los Angeles] Lakers and Heat making a strong play for a top-five pick.”
The Heat have the No. 15 overall pick in the first round right now, but selecting higher in the draft order may improve their chances of selecting a player who can start for them in the 2024–25 campaign.
The Heat are aiming to return to the NBA Finals, where they were in 2022–23, after losing in the first round of the playoffs in the 2023–24 season. With Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler as the foundation of the team, it could make sense for the Heat to spend big to acquire a young player who can help them advance.
Miami may also lose a few important role players, which would mean finding replacements during the offseason. Josh Richardson, Kevin Love, and Caleb Martin all have player options this offseason and can choose to become free agents. Haywood Highsmith is an unrestricted free agent.
The Heat are predicted to select guard Tyler Kolek from Marquette University in the most recent mock draft, which was conducted by Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer.
As the draft draws near, Kolek’s stock seems to be rising as clubs see him as a dynamic guard who can produce playmaking consistency and quick knockdown shots,” O’Connor noted. I’ve heard of him being connected as high as this, although Kolek might also be a target if a lottery club moves down. He would address a glaring need if signed by Miami, and he and Bam Adebayo might have good two-man chemistry.
O’Connor forecasts Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and Devin Carter as guards who will advance farther. Miami might try to move up to get one of those guys, or another prospect, if it thinks highly of them.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., a four-year veteran at the University of California, Los Angeles, was selected by the Heat in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, marking a gold strike. Jaquez made an All-Rookie team this season despite being a low draft pick (number 18 overall). He averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
It would make sense for the Heat to move up if they can locate another young talent who they truly like because the player would be signed to a multi-season contract at a fair price.
The Heat are a club to watch as the 2024 NBA Draft draws near because they have the potential to make a move on draft night.
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