The most honest approach for you, the readers, is to present LaVine as the option “least impossible,” while we understand that the Miami Heat’s project for this 2026-27 season is not entirely complete yet.
Because bringing in during the same summer Giannis Antetokounmpo and a declining Klay Thompson is not enough to compete with the beasts of the East (remember that in Florida they had to sacrifice, no less, Tyler Herro, Kel’El Ware or Jaime Jaquez Jr). With the current core and the all-in executed by the Greek, the question now is whether the Heat can add one final piece that finishes elevating the project to ‘ring level’ or at least to the Conference Finals.
The immediate answer is simple and monosyllabic: no.
According to Barry Jackson in the Miami Herald, Miami currently does not have a realistic avenue to add another high-caliber piece. The situation, however, could change before the February trade deadline or in the summer of 2027, when the franchise plans to have the mid-level exception fully at its disposal.
Among the names linked to the Heat are three veteran stalwarts: Kyrie Irving, Jrue Holiday, and Zach LaVine. But only the last one offers a path that is at least imaginably plausible.
LaVine exercised his player option for $48.9 million for the 2026-27 season after closing out last season early due to a right-hand injury. If Sacramento misses the playoff picture again, the Kings could study a buyout during the season.
“The Cost” of Chasing the Ring
The problem would, of course, be the money. To join the Heat through a buyout, LaVine would have to forfeit the remaining portion of his salary and accept only the prorated veteran minimum. The deal could cost him more than ten million dollars, in addition to his Bird rights.
While it isn’t the financial scenario they’d dreamed of, recent remarks from the combo guard — 31 years old and only four playoff games in his career! — leave the door open to prioritizing competition over personal achievements.
“I’ve achieved a lot individually. Now I want to keep pursuing other goals, win and go far in the playoffs. I hope I have the opportunity to play on a championship-contending team,” LaVine said in an interview with the outlet HoopsHype.
In addition to failing collectively with the Kings, LaVine could not boast a strong individual season prior to his wrist injury. In 39 games he averaged 19.2 points (the worst points-per-game mark since 2019) and 2.3 assists with a 47.9% shooting from the field, in more than 30 minutes per game.
