Astounding Trade Proposal Sends Miami Heat Star Home For Valuable Draft Picks

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Nov 2, 2024; Mexico City, MEXICO; Washington Wizards player Kyle Kuzma signs an autograph before a NBA game against the Miami Heat at Arena CDMX. Mandatory Credit: Henry Romero/Reuters via Imagn Images | Henry Romero/Reuters via Imagn Images

After trading away their best player throughout two NBA Finals runs midseason and dealing with a historically bad first round sweep, the Miami Heat had somewhat of an open slate headed into the offseason. One scenario has them surprisingly trading away Tyler Herro after a career season.

Milwaukee Bucks receive: Tyler Herro

Heat Receive: Kyle Kuzma, AJ Green, an unprotected 2031 1st round pick (via MIL), and an unprotected 2032 1st round pick swap

Hawks Receive: Andre Jackson Jr.

Herro, 25, was a first-time All-Star in 2024-2025, averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds. However, he averaged just 17.2 points, 4.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds over the last two first round Playoff exits since 2023-24, converting on 40 percent of his shots and 33 percent of his threes.

There is optimism around the budding star being able to produce more efficiently in the Playoffs with more offensive help around him. However, there are many concerns with how often teams are able to "hunt" Herro due to his defensive reputation.

The Heat are reportedly looking to keep their books clean and opportunistically replenish draft capital to be ready for the next megastar that becomes available.

This trade helps accomplish both of those goals, especially if they don't want to extend Herro, who becomes extension-eligible, (up to three years, $150 million), on Oct. 1.

Herro and team president Pat Riley's exit interview comments suggest they might hold off on those talks until next summer, where he would then be eligible for up to four years, $206.9 million.

In this scenario, the Heat trade away Herro for Kuzma, (30, sifned through 2020), who averaged 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season and Green (25, expiring contract), a career 42 percent three-point marksman. However, getting an unprotected pick and pick swap that far down the line from the over-leveraged Milwaukee Bucks would be solid value in return for their young star.

Meanwhile, the Bucks use the last of their trade-able assets in their pursuit to keep the team as competitive as possible to keep superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo satisfied.

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