A chaotic Miami Warmth season ended tonight with a Recreation 4 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers that wrapped up a 4-0 first-round collection sweep wherein the Warmth by no means threatened. The hole between the 2 groups was stark, and was lengthy since forthcoming; a Warmth workforce that completed the common season eight video games beneath .500, and backed into the playoffs solely due to a mix of the weak Jap Convention and the play-in event by no means stood an opportunity in opposition to the title-contending Cavs.
In a season that might be finest remembered for the explosive finish to the Jimmy Butler period, for the Warmth to have made the playoffs in any respect was maybe an achievement. However, they now head into the 2025 NBA offseason with incontrovertible proof of how sizeable the hole to the highest really is. There’s a lot to do to turn out to be just like the Cavaliers.
That stated, the Warmth dance to their very own tune, fairly than imitate. Whereas trendy standard considering surrounding roster development holds that groups outdoors of real looking title rivalry – even after a hypothetical massive commerce or two – ought to unload high quality items and start rebuilding by the draft, the Warmth traditionally don’t do it that means, and can certainly not begin doing so now. They subsequently might want to discover expertise infusions – notably on the offensive finish – with out having both a high quality or amount of draft picks, nor wage cap house, with which to take action.
With this in thoughts, right here follows a have a look at the Miami Warmth’s roster and spending choices heading into the 2025 NBA offseason.