After a close play-in tournament win against the Chicago Bulls, the Miami Heat’s shot at another deep playoff run fell short. They lost to the Boston Celtics 4-1 in the first round, missing the magic they experienced last year. Injuries were a big factor, with Jimmy Butler hurt and sidelined due to a knee issue and Terry Rozier dealing with a neck injury. We all know the Heat can make deep playoff runs without shaking up the squad—evident from their 2023 NBA Finals run. However, some tweaking could really help them, especially given their recent injury problems.

There have also been rumors about PJ Tucker reuniting with the Heat after he hinted he’s looking for a trade from the LA Clippers. He further fueled speculation after posting an Instagram story of his Miami Beach visit, captioned “Home sweet home”. But could this deal happen? Let’s look at what Miami Heat expert and insider Ira Winderman had to say about the possibility.

“While they could, the Heat’s position against the luxury-tax’s second apron essentially precludes bringing in any player, even at the minimum,” the insider told during an interaction with the fans. The Heat are largely constrained with their current roster of 14 players due to the luxury tax’s second apron, Winderman added. This rule acts as a financial speed bump, making it extremely difficult for teams to add new players, even if they are signing for the minimum salary.

This means that unless the Heat can arrange a trade to free up salary space, they’re unlikely to add any new players, whether from the buyout market or other sources. According to the Heat insider, the rumors about PJ Tucker are likely off the table for now. So, what does this mean for their future?

Miami Heat need Jimmy Butler if they hope to make an impact

After a mediocre 22-19 home record last season and losing both their playoff games at home to the Celtics, the Heat’s home-court issues remain unresolved. But with four of their first six games at home—against the Magic, Pistons, Knicks, and Kings—they’ve got a shot to make a statement.

“Last season was not fun at Kaseya Center, and the players acknowledged as much, vowing to do better,” Winderman said. However, he noted that with the NBA scheduling their next six games on the road, starting strong at home could be a game-changer for their season.

Well, if they want to make this happen, they need their star players in top form as well, especially Jimmy Butler. “At this point, you accept Jimmy Butler as being Jimmy Butler, whether it’s going emo on media day or getting himself banned from a poker stream. It still comes down to what happens on the court. And, in his case, how often it happens on the court,” the insider said. With over just 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists Butler wasn’t exactly lighting it up last season, but you never know how he’ll perform this year because he’s Jimmy Butler!

On top of that, if the Heat can free up some cap space for a trade, they might be able to bring in another player to join Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Remember, they haven’t signed extensions with Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson yet, even though they’re eligible. Maybe the Heat is cooking up something behind the scenes. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.