Miami Heat Could Break The Bank For These Superstars In 2027

A pair of ESPN analysts have categorized the entire NBA into tiers divided by what each team is chasing heading into this season.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) reacts with guard Davion Mitchell (45), Bam Adebayo (13) and Haywood Highsmith (24) the second half of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at Kaseya Center on March 21, 2025, in Miami. / D.A. Varela - Miami Herald (dvarela@miamiherald.com)

The makeup of the Miami Heat roster still isn't solidified less than three months away from the NBA season.

The competent mixture of proven veterans and talented young players creates winning opportunities short-term. However, the lack of a true two-way superstar creates a sense of uncertainty long-term. What Miami is chasing according to ESPN could paint a clearer picture for Heat fans.

In ESPN's latest tier list, Miami is categorized as a team "on two timelines". The Heat are a team with a batch of young and hungry two-way players waiting for a chance to thrive in a bigger role. Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larson, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and rookie Kasparas Jakučionis round out a legion of stars with untapped potential.

The team also has perimeter players past 30-years-old who still feel they're capable of contributing to winning basketball such as Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, and Terry Rozier. Team President Pat Riley hasn't structured his team this way with the aims of staying in basketball purgatory.

Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) driving to the basket / Miami Heat on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/miamiheatstore/p/DGYSw6ju74t/?img_index=1)

"Cap flexibility is clearly the plan for the two L.A. teams plus Miami, all of which have been careful in handing out long-term contracts"

- ESPN

The combination of assets and contracts on the books along with the attractiveness of Miami can make for an embarrassment of riches in the future. "All three have realistic paths to max-level cap space next summer but are more likely to clear the books in 2027, when multiyear MVPs Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic could potentially become unrestricted free agents barring extensions."

Miami Heat President Of Basketball Operations Pat Riley / https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2022/06/06/pat-riley-sends-strong-message-about-his-future-in-the-nba

Riley and Assistant General Manager Adam Simon may have this team on two separate timelines currently, but the goal is the merge the two into a championship-chasing timeline.

The organization has struck out chasing stars in recent years. Management attempted and failed to acquire perimeter star players such as Bradley Beal, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, and Damian Lillard.

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Instead of chasing instant gratification via trade, the Heat are now taking a more patient approach to the way they build their team. Heat fans can be secure with the fact that both timelines are competitive.

All eyes point to the 2027 offseason according to ESPN. Adebayo and Herro are the only two players being paid more than $31 million. Wiggins is currently making $30 million this season. Teams with "clearer" timelines than teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Heat were the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers.

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