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The Miami Heat suffered a devastating defeat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. It came down to the wire, with star Jimmy Butler missing a potential go-ahead three in the final seconds.
Miami has made some deep playoff runs in the past three seasons, with a trip to the NBA Finals in 2020 and narrowly missing the Finals this season.
The Heat has done a great job of finding talent, with many undrafted players becoming key contributors. They don't need to make a ton of moves, as they have a well-rounded roster. Adding some role players to help them around the edges would be great. However, opportunities may arise to add a star via sign and trade.
The Heat will also have to decide if they want to re-sign 6th Man of the Year Tyler Herro to a deal as he enters free agency.
Herro is a restricted free agent, and they can match offers from opposing teams. With that said, here are three early targets for the Heat in 2022 NBA free agency after losing to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat Free Agency Targets
3. Center Dwight Howard
One thing that the Heat lacked in their series against the Celtics was size. Boston had the ability to dominate inside, with more size on the floor.
Going out and getting an established center as a backup for Bam Adebayo would be beneficial for Miami. Los Angeles Lakers veteran Dwight Howard could be a solid option for them.
This season for the Lakers, Howard averaged 6.2 points per game along with 5.9 rebounds. While he isn't the same player he once was, Howard can make a great impact for the Heat off the bench. He is still a solid rebounder and lob threat, with the ability to block shots in the paint.
The added size and depth off the bench could be crucial for Miami next season.
2. Guard Zach LaVine
Although the Heat has a lot of money tied up to their roster, they could pull off a sign-and-trade for a star. Zach LaVine is linked as one of the potential targets for the Heat. LaVine would be a valuable scorer for Miami, which they seemed to miss at certain points of the series.
Even when the Heat were getting stops on the Celtics, they weren't efficient in converting at the other end. If LaVine is going to walk, the Chicago Bulls would be forced into making a sign-and-trade or risk losing him for nothing.
A sign-and-trade of Tyler Herro and possibly another player (to make salaries match), or a draft pick would be enough to pull off the deal.
This season, LaVine averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He shot 47.6 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from behind the arc. If the Heat added LaVine, they could enter the 2022-23 season as the favorites to come out of the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
1. Guard Bradley Beal
While LaVine would be a great addition, the dream player is Bradley Beal. Miami is reportedly interested in the star guard, and his elite scoring would fit what the Heat need.
Beal has not opted into his player option, and he will enter free agency. Although it's been indicated he could sign an extension with the Washington Wizards, the Heat should still pursue him.
Beal averaged 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists this season before suffering a season-ending injury.
Washington can offer more money, but Miami could sell him on the opportunity to win a championship. Like the LaVine signing, it would require a sign-and-trade involving Herro and more.
While the Heat didn't make the Finals, they proved that they are still a contender in the East. Some offseason moves could help them compete for a championship next season.
