Players like Zion Williamson are why the Miami Heat refuse to try and tank.
The prevailing sentiment among Miami Heat fans heading into the offseason is that the team will be buyers rather than sellers this year. Numerous trade rumors and proposals have suggested that the Heat will pursue players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, or Lauri Markkanen via a trade.
The Heat may take a giant swing, or they may sit tight for a gap year in 2025-26 and make a big move next year. However, one thing we know the Heat won’t do is try to tank to land the next big star in the draft
Sometimes, a team can tank, and there is a pot of gold on the other end of the rainbow, like LeBron James. Other times, that “pot of gold” is Ben Simmons.
Then, throw in the updated lottery odds that left Utah and Washington in the cold after neither team won 20 games in 2024-25, and there is no guarantee that even if a generational superstar is waiting in the draft, you will be in line to get them.
Miami doesn’t have to tank because it’s the type of market that can land big-name stars through free agency in a way that many other markets can’t. Between Miami as a city and the lack of a state income tax, the Heat don’t have to sit around hoping the ping-pong balls fall their way.Don’t get it twisted; this roster, as constructed for Miami, needs help. If the Heat does take a big swing at someone like Durant, they better win now because they would be out of assets moving forward once Durant’s days are done.
But the Heat are more than likely to take that big swing because players like Williamson have showcased that it is better to swing now than wait around for the “perfect pitch.Because sometimes that star turns out to be Zion Williamson and sets your franchise back another decade.
Zion Williamson is why tanking doesn’t always work out
If you remember, back in 2019, when New Orleans won the draft lottery, their front office celebrated as if they were about to go on to win five NBA titles.
The Pelicans haven’t even won five total playoff games since the arrival of Williamson.
Add in his recent legal troubles, and there is a reason why people around the NBA believe it’s time to cut bait and move on.
So, what does this have to do with the Miami Heat?
Well beyond NBA insider Shamit Dua cooking up a hypothetical trade that would involve the Heat that would only cost Andrew Wiggins and Duncan Robinson, it’s a reminder of why Miami doesn’t seem willing to hit the reset button after a 37-45 season.
