The Miami Heat are currently in the midst of a very difficult situation with Jimmy Butler, but they are also thinking ahead about a brighter future.
According to Barry Jackson, via NBACentral, the Heat are positioning themselves to have over $80 million in cap space in 2026.
That means they will have enough cash to entice a big-name star, such as Luka Doncic, who will be eligible to be a free agent at that time.
The Miami Heat are positioning themselves to have over $80 million in cap space in 2026, when players like Luka Dončić could potentially become free agents, per @flasportsbuzz
“According to a source, the Heat also has felt it should receive a carrot (likely a draft pick) if it… pic.twitter.com/TJRUAOTM5R
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 28, 2025
The idea of Doncic coming to the Heat is more than enough to make the front office fight hard through this current mess with Butler.
He is one of the largest stars in the league and would radically change the team the moment he signed his contract.
He could be the future of the team and would be the next generation of Heat greatness.
But even if Miami doesn’t land Doncic, there are other free agents they can target too.
$80 million in cap space is a lot of money, and it will give the Heat a ton of flexibility.
The team and Pat Riley have a reputation for moving slowly and not creating massive changes.
They never come across as reactionary and always strategize their next moves carefully.
They have been laying the groundwork for 2026 free agency for some time now, and it could all possibly pay off next summer.
They might currently have their eyes on Doncic, but they will also keep their options open for other A-list All-Stars.
Some Heat fans are tired of the team consistently falling short in the playoffs, but that could change if they spend this $80 million wisely next summer.
NEXT: Brian Windhorst Reveals What He’s Hearing About Jimmy Butler Situation
