The Miami Heat are entering a new era in 2025-26. For the first time in almost a decade, the Heat will tip off the season without a bona fide superstar on the roster.
After trading Jimmy Butler to the Warriors in February and a disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami’s offseason has been turbulent. They also missed out on Kevin Durant, who ultimately landed with the Houston Rockets after Phoenix passed on a deal.
With only Kasparas Jakucionis added in the 2025 NBA Draft and no other major acquisitions, head coach Erik Spoelstra will lean heavily on both his young talent and experienced players to lead the team forward.
Projected Starting Lineup
Here’s what the Heat’s 2025-26 starting five could look like:
Starting Lineup
- Kasparas Jakucionis
- Tyler Herro
- Norman Powell
- Andrew Wiggins
- Bam Adebayo
Second Unit
- Terry Rozier
- Davion Mitchell
- Jaime Jaquez Jr.
- Nikola Jovic
- Kel’el Ware
Spoelstra may surprise some with the decision to start both Tyler Herro and Norman Powell, whose playing styles are similar. But the Heat coach has a history of successfully pairing comparable players to create dynamic lineups.
The second unit features several young prospects like Davion Mitchell, Nikola Jovic, and Kel’el Ware, who will get their chance to shine off the bench.
Developing Talent Before Chasing Superstars
Miami has long been a destination for NBA stars, thanks to its prime location and the renowned Heat Culture. But with no new superstar acquisitions this offseason, the focus shifts to developing young talent and proving the team’s potential.
If these young players can deliver glimpses of greatness, it could set the stage for the Heat to attract marquee names in the future. There’s already talk of a roadmap to sign stars like Kevin Durant and LeBron James in upcoming seasons, but first, the league will be watching to see how this young roster performs in 2025-26.
Looking Ahead
The Heat may be in a rebuilding phase, but with Spoelstra’s coaching, their young stars have a chance to grow and make Miami a competitive destination again. One strong season could reignite the team’s allure for NBA superstars, keeping the Heat relevant in the ever-evolving league.
