The Miami Heat have expressed interest in adding Trey Lyles and Kai Jones to strengthen their frontcourt as they build toward the 2025-26 NBA season. Both players are unrestricted free agents; Lyles, 29, recently played for the Sacramento Kings, while Jones, 24, most recently was with the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers. Jones has already participated in a workout with the Heat as they explore options to improve their roster.
According to Grant Afseth of FastbreakJournal.com, the Heat’s management is actively evaluating multiple players to enhance frontcourt depth. Afseth noted,
“The Miami Heat are believed to be exploring ways to bolster their frontcourt depth before the start of the 2025–26 season. Trey Lyles and Kai Jones are among various players FastbreakJournal.com sources can confirm have drawn interest this summer.”
—Grant Afseth, Reporter
Team Developments and Recent Moves
The Heat have undergone significant changes since their first-round playoff sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers this year. Team President Pat Riley, 80, has been busy reshaping the roster after trading away Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. Miami acquired veteran guard Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers and re-signed point guard Davion Mitchell to provide stability in the backcourt.
Outlook Amidst Eastern Conference Changes
As the Eastern Conference landscape shifts, Miami faces a challenging but open race for playoff positioning. Key Eastern Conference contenders have suffered setbacks, including Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is sidelined for the season with a torn Achilles, and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, who may also miss significant time due to a similar injury. These developments open opportunities for Miami.
Head Coach Erik Spoelstra’s likely starting lineup features Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware. Though the team faces hurdles, they remain in contention for a Play-In Tournament spot entering the next season.
Challenges and Considerations Moving Forward
The Heat’s success in 2025-26 could be shaped critically by how well they start the season, which appears to be demanding based on the schedule. Norman Powell, brought in for scoring and veteran leadership, had one of his best recent seasons, but questions linger about the extent to which he can carry the team. Additionally, with Powell in a contract year, the Heat must decide on a potential extension before the season begins.
By targeting players like Trey Lyles and Kai Jones, Miami aims to enhance their depth and flexibility in the frontcourt, potentially addressing critical needs as they strive to compete in a competitive Eastern Conference. The team’s acquisitions and decisions in the coming months will likely influence their trajectory well into the 2025-26 season.