The Miami Heat will have to rebuild this summer by trading Joel Embiid and Damian Lillard to build a dominant Big Three.
The Miami Heat have been disappointing this season, losing five games to championship favorites Boston Celtics. Even if Jimmy Butler didn't play in the series, the Heat were doomed from the start, and the days of making it to the NBA Finals twice seemed to be over.
Despite bringing in Terry Rozier and rookie Jamie Harkes Jr., the Heat still need to rebuild around Jimmy Butler to have a real chance of winning a championship and coming out of the Eastern Conference. Their two main targets will be Joel Embiid and Damian Lillard, two superstars who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Joel Embiid's blockbuster deal
Joel Embiid is wasting his golden years trying to win in Philadelphia, and Miami can build a dominant roster with him this summer.
Transaction details
Miami Heat gets: Joel Embiid
The Philadelphia 76ers get: Bam Adebayo, Jax Jr., Nikola Jovic, 2029 first-round pick
In this blockbuster deal, the Miami Heat acquired Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers, completely reshaping their roster and elevating their championship-winning prowess. While Embiid's talent is undeniable, he has suffered from ongoing injury issues during his time in Philadelphia.
Despite eight seasons with the 76ers (not counting the first two years he missed due to injury), Embiid has yet to lead the team to the second round of the playoffs. While some blame Embiid for this shortcoming, it's clear that Philadelphia's current roster isn't producing the desired results.
The recent playoff first-round game against the New York Knicks highlighted the need for change. Whether it's basketball culture or personnel, Embiid's fit in Miami seems promising. Joining forces with Jimmy Butler, they share a competitive edge and a desire to win and can make a great combination.
The Heat have a winning culture that maximizes his potential while reducing the risk of injury. Bam Adebayo has been efficient and ineffective in multiple seasons in Miami (averaging 19.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game this season), but Embiid is a star of a different calibre, and he's the reigning MVP and two-time scoring champion. Embiid, who averaged 34.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in 39 games, had a chance to take Miami by storm.
A major move to pursue Damian Lillard
The next step in building a dominant superteam is to trade All-Star point guard Damian Lillard, who really deserves a championship.
Transaction details
Miami Heat gets: Damian Lillard
Milwaukee Bucks get: Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, 2030 first-round picks
Trading Damian Lillard alongside Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid to form the Miami Heat's Big Three will undoubtedly upgrade them as title contenders. Lillard's talent, leadership, and key performances have long made him one of the league's top point guards, and the Heat fit his destination. Lillard, who is approaching 34 years old, is undoubtedly in the late stages of his prime, which makes the fight for a championship all the more urgent.
His resentment of Milwaukee and his desire to change his environment bode well for his potential arrival in Miami, where a vibrant culture and competitive environment could energize his career. On the court, Lillard's technique blends seamlessly with Butler and Embiid. As a top-tier scorer and playmaker (averaging 24.3 points per game and 7.0 assists per game), Lillard can take the pressure off Butler as a primary ball-handler and provide Embiid with the outside threat he needs to stretch out space on the court.
His ability to create his own shots and excel in pick-and-rolls adds a new dimension to Miami's offense, while his key ability ensures the Heat have the preferred option in crunch time. In addition, Lillard's experience and veteran leadership are complemented by Butler's tenacity and Embiid's dominance to form a cohesive Big Three capable of leading the Heat deep into the playoffs.
With Lillard on board, the Heat have a powerful triumvirate reminiscent of the LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh eras, and they're poised to make waves in the East and compete for a championship. The lure of playing in Miami, combined with the opportunity to compete with Butler and Embiid, makes the move a win-win for both Lillard and the Heat.
The Miami Heat build the NBA's best Big Three
The Miami Heat, which brings together Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler, and Damian Lillard, is arguably the most powerful Big Three in the NBA. Embiid and Butler form a dynamic duo that combines a dominant interior with tenacious defense and leadership. Lillard, meanwhile, brought top-tier scoring, playmaking offense, and finishing ability in crunch time to round out the Big Three.
The Heat, whose goal is to compete for the NBA championship in 2025 and beyond, have positioned themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. While the Boston Celtics have the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the star power of Embiid, Butler and Lillard has tipped the scales in Miami's favor.
Lillard is about to turn 34 and Butler is about to turn 35, and they desperately need to grab the championship window. Embiid is only 30 years old, though, and the Heat have a chance to compete at a high level for the foreseeable future. Under the tutelage of top-tier head coach Eric Spoelstra, the Heat can use their three top-paid players to attract good veterans and free-role players, further enhancing their roster depth and championship strength.
As the 2025 NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Miami Heat and the Big Three as they battle for league supremacy.