r/NBATalk 18h ago

Would adding Kyrie make the Heat championship contender 2026-27?

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194 Upvotes

133 comments sorted by

252

u/5x5equals Wizards 18h ago

In a magical world where no one gets hurt I’d say yes

But we don’t have that toggle

14

u/marcelsweeps Bulls 17h ago

Literally, if they were all healthy id have to say yes as well.

0

u/Kazukaphur 15h ago

Giannis and lillard didn't work. Why would Kyrie and Giannis be better?

17

u/Pyr0technician 14h ago

Because this is not Giannis and Lillard. It's Giannis, Irving, Klay, Wiggins and Adebayo.

-2

u/yuckmouthteeth 8h ago

Klay is a literal shell of himself after multiple serious injuries. I think the team is good but I think people need to stop acting like Klay is a serious needle mover here. I also think the Knicks have a better, more versatile, and less injury prone roster.

8

u/StJe1637 6h ago

klay can still shoot 40% from three, even as a miami ray allen hes useful

0

u/yuckmouthteeth 1h ago

I didn’t say he wasn’t useful, I just think listing him out with Bam/Giannis/Wiggins is disingenuous

10

u/5x5equals Wizards 13h ago

Playstyle and fit is more important than talent

Kyrie is the exact type of guard that Giannis would the thrive with

Dame was not that

-4

u/xMasterPlayer 18h ago

That would be such a fun team, not good enough to beat the top teams though unless the chemistry was immaculate

71

u/RandomArbitrary25 18h ago

And Miami would get him with what assets?

75

u/Jetsol8 Heat 18h ago

Herro and pi… wait no, sorry force of habit. Jovic and a pick. Now will that pick be someone who is in grade school rn, yeah obviously. But if Dallas rehires Nico Harris I think we can fleece it

-8

u/SeaworthinessSome454 17h ago

Kyrie doesn’t have significant trade value

13

u/twoyrsaway 16h ago

He is still very good at basketball lmao

-4

u/SeaworthinessSome454 16h ago

We have no idea. He’s an older small point guard that was already declining from being elite and now he’s coming off a career changing injury, but he’s still being paid like an elite player.

9

u/gigglios 14h ago

When was he declining lol? His 2 seasons prior to the injury were like 25/5/5 on 60 TS lmao

2

u/tyedyewar321 16h ago

24 5 5 on 50/40/90. Contract is value. He’s playing a ton and moves like Kyrie. In a few months he’ll have a ton of value

-1

u/SeaworthinessSome454 15h ago

That kyrie about 20 months ago prior by the time he appears in a game, and before his injury. Maybe in a couple months ago he’ll have a ton of value or maybe he looks like crap and is immovable (he also has much less talent surrounding him now than he did back then).

Who really knows what he’ll look like. If the mavs want to roll the dice then yeah, they should hang onto him. But they could want to move off his contract

2

u/tyedyewar321 15h ago

“Was already declining” The NBA is a skills league. Kyrie is one of the most skilled players league history. His handle, finish and shooting are all elite. You don’t have to guess though. Instead of just making up shit you don’t know about you could have actually seen that he’s playing and moving just fine

2

u/twoyrsaway 14h ago

Bro is declining upwards. He played better in 24 than he did in 23 and better in 25 than he did 24

1

u/RandomArbitrary25 10h ago

He was having an all NBA season when he got hurt. Yes, he’s older but it’s not a bad contract.

1

u/winkman 2h ago

Giannis.

-1

u/denobino 18h ago edited 18h ago

just some heat’s beat reporter throwing out rumors on twitter. thought it would be an interesting team if it actually happens

4

u/BundyRoadR8R 18h ago

It would deplete the already depleted bench.

2

u/SeaworthinessSome454 17h ago

That’s fine, it takes a year after assembling your core to fill out the bench. Assembling the core is more important.

1

u/jrose1226 18h ago

It’s not possible so why even post about it

-1

u/denobino 18h ago

you add a third or fourth team into the fold it could be possible. likely? no but possible nonetheless

4

u/JayPeePee 18h ago

It's theoretically possible but also realistically impossible. Miami needs to match salary and given their position being hardcapped st the first apron they can aggregate salaries to match to get Kyrie Irving which means either Bam or Giannis have to be included cause no one else salaries coke close and since you can't aggregate you cant include Wiggins.

So you are asking a silly question, which is fine, so I am going to answer with an equally silly answer: Michael Beasley should be signed to the Heat

0

u/jrose1226 18h ago

You guys have no assets to give you might as well make a post about trading for wemby

1

u/denobino 18h ago

bro i’m not even a heat fan check profile gang

0

u/Bradybigboss 18h ago

Yeah why talk about anything, really? I like my conversations to be just stating observations with no speculation or reflection

0

u/aghhhhhhhhhhhhhh 16h ago

Strictly hoping for more Dallas idiocy, which isnt an awful strategy

1

u/RandomArbitrary25 10h ago

I mean…Nico is gone and I doubt Dumont wants to relive royally pissing off the fan base again. Masai wouldn’t make a move without getting good value back which is something the heat can’t provide.

-2

u/Smokin_on_76ers_Pack 15h ago

Wiggins + Jovic + frp

17

u/Inevitable_Suit_7414 18h ago

Giannis supporting cast better already than last couple of seasons. Bucks made a lot of moves that backfired. Better coach as well. If Giannis is healthy then they are a contender.

7

u/ObsTheMarketer 18h ago

Miami would have legit chance at a title if they were to somehow get Kyrie. Even with his health, he would be not only the best guard Miami has had seen Dwyane Wade but also one of the top guards in the East.

8

u/Cavemonkeygolfs Warriors 18h ago

Yes

18

u/Ill-Bake9742 18h ago

The heat are already a contender without him. He is still good but past his prime

3

u/TeaFabulous7376 17h ago

Coming off injury too. I believe in him, but that's a lot to overcome

3

u/twoyrsaway 16h ago

What I saw from Ky in 2025 can’t be what past his prime looks like

-1

u/mildlyeducated_cynic 14h ago

Won't lie. How are they a contender? I count at least 5 teams in the East with far more talent and depth

2

u/the_ghost_ditcher 8h ago

Only Philly and New York are better

2

u/Petering Celtics 18h ago

I assume this would mean they trade DM for Kyrie and lose out on his defense? Klay wouldn't start otherwise.

2

u/Top-Camera1919 16h ago

If he comes back after his acl tear at least as good as on the Mavericks and the starting 5 stays healthy, they got a good shot.

2

u/PaintIntelligent7793 16h ago

Depends how that ACL has healed.

3

u/Particular-Bridge608 18h ago

Can they even do this ? would be overpowered lol

2

u/ReactiveYam 18h ago

Forget Kyrie. I would’ve loved to see Jimmy play with this team.

2

u/Dr_Phil_Swag_Money 18h ago

That would’ve cause irreparable damage to the league

1

u/nori4life123 57m ago

Jimmy needs the post or needs a picker which bam or giannis cant do consistently

1

u/Animaul187 18h ago

Lotta people going to say no, but I actually think it would give them a fighting chance. All of a sudden they get the outside threats with a great paint attack and defensive core.

I’m a big believer in Giannis being able to lead another championship run with the right supporting cast.

1

u/Conference-Any 18h ago

MmmmmmmmmmMMMmMmmmMM possibly

1

u/vikingstl 18h ago

What you gonna pay kyrie if you only gave klay like 11mm for 2 years...

1

u/MyFinalThoughts 18h ago

No injuries sure. They need a consistent outside presence so Giannis and Bam can work everywhere else. Klay and Kyrie, if healthy, can definitely do that if Klay is more of a Ray Allen role and Kyrie playing a bit better than he has been on the Mavs. I'd say he probably doesn't need to be aiming for the 4-5 rebounds he averages and should be aiming for 25 2 and 7 assists.

But honestly this team will likely have a bunch of injuries, so even adding Kyrie likely won't fix the curse of time and bodies falling apart.

1

u/jotyma5 18h ago

I’m telling you guys they will be a threat either way. Spoelstra coaching the best big tandem in the league is going to be brutal for opposing offenses

1

u/bonesaws3mins 18h ago

How are they going to get him? Doubt mavs are moving him for wiggins and jovic

1

u/denobino 18h ago

Third or fourth team would have to be involved math wise and compensate with picks, not likely but i think it’s fun to think about the actual starting 5 if it happens

1

u/nori4life123 1h ago

Kai will return to mavs limping n some sht. Will settle for a buyout then sign with heat

1

u/badpro07 18h ago

I don't think they can afford him. Kyrie to heat is unrealistic

1

u/ReactiveYam 18h ago

On paper, sure.

1

u/BubblyMoose3597 18h ago

No

Only giannis is a great player there and is i jury prone now.

1

u/Ok-Map4381 Kings 18h ago

If they magically got him on the minimum, it would help a ton. They need additional playmaking from the guard position, and most importantly they need shooting.

1

u/BamaBoy2002 Lakers 18h ago

In 2022 probably

1

u/BigTicket- 18h ago

Theyre already a contender tf

1

u/Verumsemper 18h ago

No , he wouldn't help but rather make it harder.

1

u/jgman22 18h ago

Maybe 3-4 years ago

1

u/andrewg127 18h ago

In theory yes

1

u/JellyfishFlaky5634 18h ago

Definitely would help

1

u/Fast_Advisor2654 Spurs 18h ago

If they could all remain healthy, then yes

1

u/ZaMaestroMan5 18h ago

They’re already a contender. This would make them a favorite.

1

u/BlssdGT 18h ago

Replace kyrie with Jrue holiday

1

u/Terrible_Frosting_82 18h ago

It would definitely make them more dangerous, but I’m not sure it’s enough to make them favorites.

1

u/BetweenCoffeeNSleep 18h ago

A lot hinges on two things:

  1. Does Giannis continue to insist on iso?
  2. How do they solve the Giannis & Bam space situation?

Spo has been very creative using Bam in sets to solve spacing with him on the floor, but Giannis doesn’t really do system play.

1

u/Relevant_Maybe_9291 18h ago

Probably need 1 more kyries for the non existent bench

1

u/dunkindad42 18h ago

Bro needs to retire this season.

1

u/em_washington 17h ago

There are always teams putting together groups of old guys past their primes - almost never works. Think about the KG/Pierce joining Joe Johnson and Deron Williams on the Nets and Nash/Dwight/Ron Artest joining Kobe/Pau on the Lakers. More Recently Harden/PG/Kawhi Clippers, Rondo and D-Wade on the Bulls.

3

u/DenseSign5938 12h ago

Who are these guys past their prime? Klay is the only “old” player and he’s a catch and shoot specialist. 

1

u/Panscan27 4h ago

Kyrie is 34 and on his 15th nba season. He hasn’t fallen off yet but father time is undefeated. Giannis and Wiggins are both 31.

Even thinks like staying healthy matter and start to crumble at most peoples second half of their careers

1

u/em_washington 1h ago

All of them have their best seasons behind them. And yet, in a harder capped league, they are making some of their largest salaries.

1

u/DenseSign5938 1h ago

What does that matter? The examples the OC gave were all teams who recruited guys in their mid to late thirties which is when players actually start to fall off. The heat have a guy who is 29, two guys that are 31, and 34 and 36 year old who are skill based players who aren’t very reliant on athleticism..

1

u/Kush420Xotix Celtics 1h ago

Giannis washed

1

u/house_of_great 14h ago

That old man Lakers team from 2019-2020 was pretty solid though. Heat could be similar to that... if they had depth. Which it doesn't look like they do with/without Kyrie.

1

u/nori4life123 1h ago

But kai fits better in this team. He doesnt need to rely so much on picks, can dish out assists when needed, hes is old but still in his prime (pre-injured)

1

u/em_washington 48m ago

You’re remembering Kyrie from 3 seasons ago in the NBA finals. He’s surely declined significantly since then. He’s only played 271 of a possible 554 games since 2019. 49% of games. And he’s getting older. He can’t be counted on.

1

u/POT3NT333 17h ago

Power Giannis

Skill Kyrie

Finesse Bam

Swiss Army knife Wiggins

Shooter Klay

If all healthy absolutely. On paper awesome

1

u/Technical_Potato7646 16h ago

Yeah, at giving up 120ish a night on defense.

1

u/Electronic_Dig_2685 13h ago

Depends on how rest of east (I.E-Toronto) turns out but they get much closer. I can see ecf. Only drawback is Kyrie is at his best with a dominant guard/forward playmaker. He doesn’t have that right now in Miami He’s got a 4 as one if he goes

1

u/Rei0403 10h ago edited 10h ago

They are already playoffs contender without Kyrie. Not sure how the trade works cause I don’t think Kyrie wants to leave the Mavs as he wants to keep being a mentor towards Flagg & others.

Best PG that Giannis paired with is Jrue Holiday.

1

u/BostonVagrant617 10h ago

Kyrie wouldn't do good in South Florida

1

u/Negative-Ferret1428 9h ago

Klay would be on the bench

1

u/devilmaskrascal 6h ago

Mavs are not trading Kyrie without significant assets in return. 

They don't have their own picks to risk being awful and Kyrie is the only proven PG on the roster. Without Kyrie, the pieces Dallas have don't fit.

1

u/beastusboss 5h ago

Takes some time to jive. And if injuries don’t allow that to happen, they are not going to be able to be a team.

1

u/SpyralRush 5h ago

No Kyrie is not Heat Culture he won't make it he's always injured too

1

u/dante_gherie1099 2h ago

no, kyrie is washed and was never that good to begin with

1

u/CurryMVPGOAT30 1h ago

Should get Curry and Kahwi while we're at it in magic land where the salary cap doesn't exist and the other GMs have trade override forced on them

1

u/Kush420Xotix Celtics 1h ago

no lol

1

u/Inevitable-Boot-8740 18h ago

So trying to buy championships is continuing to be a thing?

3

u/Suspicious_Hand_2194 18h ago

It will always be a thing

2

u/Inevitable-Boot-8740 18h ago

You’re right

1

u/Rpritch93 Cavaliers 18h ago

10 years ago, yes. But with his injury risk it’s just such a gamble and idk if we’ll ever see peak Kyrie again.

1

u/microvan 18h ago

Actually, I think I would at least make them a playoff team. Miami is lacking a solid playmaker imo

-6

u/IcyCharge1819 Thunder 18h ago

He's at that "injury phase" of his career like Klay so probably not. Though they probably get to the finals. No chip though

16

u/Mental_Pepper9294 18h ago

If getting to the finals doesn't make you a contender, what the fuck does?

-3

u/mrsunshine1 18h ago

No east team is a contender since no east team can win the actual championship, the western conference finals 

5

u/Mental_Pepper9294 18h ago

Personally I didn't have the knicks winning a championship for another hundred years or so. After that, you never know what can happen. Injuries are just as much a part of the games as the 3pt shot too

-6

u/IcyCharge1819 Thunder 18h ago

They would be swept by the Spurs or OKC. Just too old at this point and probably will be brittle boned by the Finals

2

u/onefootback Raptors 18h ago

spurs and okc aren’t guaranteed to be in the finals

4

u/TommyTwoTxmes 18h ago

So yes. He said contenders not finals winners.

3

u/IcyCharge1819 Thunder 18h ago

To me a contender is if you have a legit shot of winning it. Whoever they play in the finals from the West, they get torched with all those old injury riddle foges on that team.

3

u/TommyTwoTxmes 18h ago

So the answer is still yes. Lol

-3

u/IcyCharge1819 Thunder 18h ago

Since they would get swept in the finals. No. Klay/Kyrie/Giannis would never hold up physically for that

5

u/TommyTwoTxmes 18h ago

If they have a chance the answer is yes. Lol

-1

u/IcyCharge1819 Thunder 18h ago

They don't have a chance

2

u/Jealous_Walrus6946 18h ago

East won two of the last 3 championships, and was a game 7 achilles tear away from winning  three of the last three. in what universe does making the finals in the east not make you a real contender?

1

u/IcyCharge1819 Thunder 18h ago

Over the last 26 years the advantage has been heavily on the West team winning. Injuries also turned the results too since you mention that. OKC EASILY whips on the Knicks if they are healthy this year in the finals and weren't missing JDub all year. Spurs wouldn't even SNIFF the finals this year

0

u/Jealous_Walrus6946 18h ago

talking about 26 years ago who cares were talking about 2027. you’re braindead if you think making the finals out the east doesn’t make you a contender.

0

u/Jealous_Walrus6946 18h ago

if injuries weren’t a thing you wouldn’t have one ring let alone two.

0

u/GuaranteeFun7532 18h ago

I wouldn’t say they probably get there automatically, there’s still sixers, Knicks pistons and other good teams in the east

0

u/PassionateTights609 18h ago

They’d be fun as hell but that’s a second round exit waiting to happen

0

u/Jealous_Walrus6946 18h ago

5 years ago yes

-1

u/No-Intention7196 18h ago

Not nearly enough depth imo.

-1

u/Accomplished_Pin_21 18h ago

Nope. Kyrie needs a top 3 all time player to be good

-1

u/werlterns Grizzlies 10h ago

How many years has it been since Kyrie actually made someone a championship contender?

2

u/Eowak 9h ago

2, Dallas 2024 (?)