The Miami Dolphins are entering a rebuild with a new head coach, a new starting quarterback, and several unproven players hoping to make their mark in the NFL. While they enter the season with low expectations in a top-heavy AFC East division that includes a Super Bowl representative from last year, it’s also a very exciting time for Dolphins fans, knowing that there’s always the chance that Malik Willis and company could be much better than skeptics expect.

Internally, the Dolphins, led by first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, will have to be confident in what they have. They may also feel like they are a piece or two away from competing in their conference.

One way to give the offense a better chance to succeed would be to strengthen the offensive line, which includes star running back D’Von Achane. There are several potential impact players still available.

Recently, ESPN’s Matt Bowen called the Dolphins the “best team fit” for former Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker, who is still unsigned in free agency. Decker requested and was granted his release from the Lions earlier this offseason, and has not found a new home since.

However, the 2024 Pro Bowl lineman is still only 32 years old (will turn 33 in August), and he has started all 140 of his appearances since being drafted as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Decker will definitely help the Dolphins get the best from their offensive line, allowing some of the younger players to show off some veteran moves.

Whether Decker, who has become accustomed to entering the season with playoff expectations in Detroit in recent times, wants to join the rebuilding effort in Miami remains to be seen. Still, playing football, especially in South Beach while getting paid millions of dollars, is better than not competing at all.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

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The Miami Heat are ready to make a big move this offseason. After missing the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Heat need to find a way back to contention, and a trade for a star player would be an ideal start. In fact, Miami is predicted to get an NBA superstar from the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason.

NBA players believe the Heat will be the favorites if the Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, according to an anonymous player survey by The Athletic’s Sam Amick. More than 23% of voters believe Antetokounmpo will start the 2026-27 NBA season with Miami, with the New York Knicks at about 17% overall.

Of the 151 voters, nearly half of players believe Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee. However, if the 31-year-old star is on the move, the Heat are the top destination on his mind.

How the Miami Heat could trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Antetokounmpo’s future will be the biggest story of the 2026 NBA offseason. Milwaukee is aiming for clarity before the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, meaning Antetokounmpo has a month to decide on his future. In the scenario where Miami lands Antetokounmpo, what needs to happen?

The Bucks would need Antetokounmpo to request a trade with Miami as a destination. If the Heat aren’t part of the NBA superstar’s favorite destinations, the entire business will fall apart. Fortunately, it was previously reported that Antetokounmpo was eyeing Miami and New York.

Pat Riley and the Heat front office are ready to land their next “whale” and he should be ready to leave the farm. No one should be untouchable outside of Bam Adebayo. Miami would have to be willing to include any other players and all of its draft selections in order to trade for Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA Draft.

Antetokounmpo is a rare talent, and when a player of his caliber is on the market, a team is mortgaging the future to win now. The Heat are looking to make a massive upgrade, and this partnership seems like the best fit of all the options. After all, the allure of Miami for players remains strong despite missing the playoffs.

The Heat are looking to land a superstar this offseason and Antetokounmpo could be the one to get them back into contention.

READ MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami Heat? Here’s how Miami could pull off the trade

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Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are on the verge of divorce. Antetokounmpo still has a chance to return to Milwaukee; However, the organization reportedly wants a solution before the 2026 NBA Draft. In a scenario where the NBA wants to trade the superstar from the Bucks, he would likely have a new home for the 2026-27 NBA season

This seems like a real possibility, so what will it really take for Antetokounmpo to land in Miami? Here’s what needs to happen for the Miami Heat.

Giannis Antetokounmpo should request a trade with Miami as a destination

It all starts with Antetokounmpo. If the Heat want to make one of their best moves in the last 16 years, the Bucks forward will have to request a trade this summer. In fact, Antetokounmpo would need to list Miami as one of his preferred trade destinations to do so.

There will be a long list of teams looking to acquire Antetokounmpo during the 2026 NBA offseason, so the Heat need to add him. This doesn’t mean Antetokounmpo has to say it’s “Miami and only Miami,” but an organization will only trade for him with the assurance that it will end well.

For Antetokounmpo to leave Milwaukee, he’ll need a landing spot that makes him happy. The Heat are one of those destinations, while other teams like the New York Knicks also make sense. Either way, Miami needs Antetokounmpo to keep an eye on the organization this summer.

If so, the onus falls on Pat Riley and the Heat front office to ultimately bring another superstar to Miami.

The Miami Heat absolutely need to trade for Antetokounmpo

One of the most popular stories about Miami over the years has been its reluctance to include certain players in potential trades. Several players have been involved in trade rumors since arriving in Miami, but the team has taken them out of the conversation to acquire difference makers. This has to be changed now.

The Heat should absolutely trade for Antetokounmpo this summer. Bam Adebayo should really be the only player over the limit; However, everyone else needs to be at the table. This includes Tyler Herro and Kyle Ware, as both players would be interesting for Milwaukee in the post-Antetokounmpo era.

Miami would also include all of its draft selections in this scenario. Needless to say, the Heat will have to give up most, if not all, of their assets. When a player like Antetokounmpo is on the market, this is the most likely outcome for a team looking to make an NBA Finals appearance.

The Heat will build their team around Adebayo and Antetokounmpo, which should be enough to get them back into contention if everyone stays healthy. The only issue is that many other NBA organizations will feel the same way. Antetokounmpo will put them over the top.

So, if Miami is Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination, it’s time for Riley and the front office to push all of their chips into the middle of the table.

Read more: Miami’s summer is over – why big off-season changes are coming

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A new rumor is great news for the Miami Heat’s planned exploration of a blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this summer.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Heat found themselves playing in the NBA Play-in Tournament. However, unlike the previous three times, Miami was unable to advance in the mini-tournament and the streak of six playoff appearances this spring ended.

Although they made it to the NBA Finals after an incredible performance a few years ago, the Heat have only had 50-plus wins in one season in the last decade. A case can be made that Miami should consider a major roster overhaul and rebuild. Still, it seems very unlikely for this proud franchise, and they will definitely be out star hunting this summer. Milwaukee Bucks great Giannis Antetokounmpo is sure to be at the top of his wish list.

Unlike February, a trade seems highly likely, especially since Bucks management has publicly claimed that they will not confirm that the two-time MVP will return next season. Furthermore, the number of teams interested and the trade packages offered will be even better this summer than in the winter. So there will be a lot of competition in Miami in terms of business.

The Heat should emerge as the favorites for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this summer

They may submit a strong offer, but a new report on Friday night made their chances of winning the bid even stronger. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Antetokounmpo will definitely “put his foot on the scale” and “push toward the team he wants to play for, and that part is also going to be a big factor.”

While many teams will be interested in the 10-time All-Star, there are also some cities he wants to visit. He surprisingly dismissed the city of Los Angeles last month as “superficial.” The Golden State Warriors will have a chance because of the reputation of the brand and talent on the roster.

New York is reportedly his favorite place. However, if this team reaches the NBA Finals and wins the championship, it is likely that the management will not break up this group.

That means Miami could emerge as the favorite in the trade sweepstakes. Especially if it entails moving to a specific city. Few NBA stars would give up the chance to live in South Beach.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Formula 1 emerged from its five-week break with a revised rule book and an obvious question: will the changes really fix what drivers have been complaining about all year? After Sunday’s 2026 Miami Grand Prix, the answer is somewhere between a little and not really.

The FIA’s refinements to the 2026 rules were targeted, not comprehensive. Qualifying energy harvesting was reduced from 8 megajoules to 7 megajoules, superclipping was increased from 250 kW to 350 kW, and now includes a minimum MGU-K acceleration to prevent drivers from coming off the line when the race starts.

The goal was simple. Make qualifying feel like qualifying, reducing the closing-speed lag that worries drivers in traffic and reducing manual throttle babysitting at the start of flying laps.

So, what was the decision?

What worked with the 2026 F1 rules update

What worked? Ability. Drivers almost universally said the changes made the one-lap pace feel closer to traditional F1.

Haas’s Ollie Bearman pointed to the automatic throttle on the qualifying out-lap as a worthwhile improvement, adding that drivers were forced to look down the dash to confirm the 50 percent throttle reading, which he called “a little alarming”. Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg said the package was “a bit of a reset” and described the Ability as “more user-friendly, more pushy”.

What didn’t work at the Miami Grand Prix?

What didn’t you do? Mostly just racing. The new energy rules built into so-called yo-yo racing were still on full display, most obviously in the scrap between race winner Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc, where the two repeatedly swapped places during the cycle of their batteries. Lando Norris, who finished second after watching that fight from behind, was blunt afterward.

Norris said, “It’s a small step in the right direction, but it’s not at the level Formula 1 should be at yet.”

Max Verstappen, the biggest critic of the 2026 formula, has not softened his stance since the preseason.

“What I said before about the rules is still the same,” Verstappen said. “It’s still not how I want it to look. I mean it’s still punishing you. The faster you go through the corners the slower you go down the next straightaway. So, it’s not what it should be about. But at least my car is functioning a little bit better so it’s a little less stressful to drive it.”

Fernando Alonso highlighted a structural issue that could not be resolved.

“This power unit and this regulation will always reward going slower in the corners, because you have more energy,” said Alonso.

Antonelli, meanwhile, took the win and extended his championship lead, reminding everyone that the Mercedes power unit advantage is not going anywhere anytime soon. Leclerc’s race ended in a 20-second penalty after a last lap spin into the Turn 3 wall, dropping him from sixth to eighth.

The big picture: F1 has bought itself some breathing room with these improvements, but the fundamental complaints about energy management and corner-speed penalties remain. The FIA ​​is reportedly already considering more significant 2027 engine adjustments. Miami suggested they would need him.

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After gutting the roster and cutting millions in salary, the Miami Dolphins got much better during the 2026 NFL Draft. The Dolphins included 13 players in the draft, but that doesn’t mean the team addressed all of their weaknesses and needs.

Shortly after the draft ended, the Dolphins were already linked to one of the top remaining free agents.

according to miami heraldBarry Jackson The Dolphins have shown interest in wide receiver Jaun Jennings since the start of free agency. Nevertheless, there is no indication that the interests are mutual.

“In fact, according to a source, the Dolphins – since the start of free agency – have expressed interest in 49ers free agent receiver Jaune Jennings,” Jackson wrote. “But they don’t have the money to satisfy his contractual wishes, and Sullivan has said Miami is not going to spend big in free agency after June 1.”

The former San Francisco 49ers receiver is currently visiting with the Minnesota Vikings, and is expected to stay through Wednesday as well. Chances are, the Vikings will make every effort to ensure that Jennings does not leave their facility without a signed contract.

Come 4pm ET on April 29, teams will be able to sign free agents without impacting their future compensatory selection formula. This could be just what teams like the Vikings have been waiting for, but the real question may center on how much money Jennings is asking for.

Jennings, 28, recorded 643 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He’ll likely play a much bigger role in the Dolphins’ offense than the Vikings, where he’ll be behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Nevertheless, the Dolphins are expected to struggle in a rebuilding season, while the Vikings are expected to compete for a playoff spot again. This could be just what Jennings is looking for.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

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Formula 1 blinked.

Three races into the most ambitious regulatory overhaul in a decade, the sport called an emergency meeting, voted unanimously on four changes, and told the paddock: Miami is the test bed. Whatever problems the 2026 rules created in Australia, China and Japan will be fixed at Hard Rock Stadium this weekend.

No one has yet been able to answer the question whether they really work.

Watch all the Formula 1 action live at the Miami Grand Prix: Now available on Apple TV+

Why do F1’s 2026 regulations need emergency reforms?

Start with the basics. The 2026 power unit regulations make these cars split approximately 50-50 between combustion and electric power. The MGU-H – the component that used exhaust energy and automatically topped up the battery – is gone. It has been replaced by a more powerful electric motor and a much more complex energy juggernaut.

Since teams cannot conserve energy as before, drivers must now create their own recharging opportunities between laps. On straight lines, in the braking zone, wherever they can steal a moment. To anyone watching at home, the cars look as if they are randomly losing speed for no apparent reason. This is superclipping – when the energy management system draws power even when the throttle is pinned. It’s as strange as it sounds, and it’s one of the defining images of the 2026 season so far.

Charles Leclerc called it “Mario Kart”. Max Verstappen went further, describing it as “Formula E on steroids”. Lewis Hamilton has been at the forefront – he says his racing experience is the best he has had in the last 20 years. Hamilton isn’t wrong about Sunday. That’s not entirely true about qualifying, where superclipping is most visible and most frustrating.

4 rule changes taking effect at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix

Following three rounds of data from Australia, China and Japan, the FIA ​​met with team principals, power unit CEOs and Formula One management on 20 April. The vote was unanimous. Here are four changes taking effect in Miami.

Superclipping limit reduced. Maximum permitted recharge reduced from 8 MJ to 7 MJ. Peak Superclip power increases from 250 kW to 350 kW. The goal is simple – less time recharging, more time spent. The duration of the superclip should be reduced by approximately two to four seconds per lap. That’s a meaningful reduction from what fans saw in the first three rounds.

Power deployment is limited in the corners. The MGU-K still delivers 350kW through the acceleration zones – from corner to exhaust to braking point – but drops to 250kW elsewhere. The limit of 150 kW above the current power level at the time of activation directly addresses the sudden, disturbing performance fluctuations that were creating dangerous closing speeds at the track. Overtaking should be exciting. There need not be any security problem in this.

New race start detection system. 2026 has been off to a chaotic start. The new detection system more accurately detects the car’s movement out of line and tightens the window for deployment when the lights are off. The Bearman accident in Japan occurred on lap 22, but the start-line lottery created a near-miss. This is the solution. This won’t be completely visible to fans watching at home, but teams will feel it immediately.

Updated wet weather protocols. New parameters for when and how power deployment changes in wet conditions. Less dramatic than the other three changes, but important for safety. Afternoon storms can occur in Miami in May. This may matter more than people realize before the weekend is over.

Connected: 5 stories to watch at the 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix

Why Miami is the first test for F1’s 2026 regulation reforms

The five-week break between Japan and Miami was supposed to be a break. It turned into a work session. The FIA ​​used every week of its time to achieve this package – three separate meetings on 9, 15 and 16 April, followed by a vote on 20 April.

Miami is a sprint weekend, making it the most demanding potential test for the new rule changes. Teams don’t get the usual practice runway to figure things out. They will have to adapt their energy strategies, deployment maps and qualifying setups for both Saturday’s sprint and Sunday’s feature race simultaneously on a circuit they have not previously raced under these new rules.

If a team gets the new parameters wrong on Friday, they won’t have enough time to fix it before they pay the price on Sunday.

Will 2026 F1 rule changes actually improve racing in Miami?

That’s the only question that matters this weekend and the honest answer is: maybe some, not a whole lot.

Superclipping reduction will be the most visible change. Two to four seconds per lap instead of six to eight is a real improvement for anyone who sees a car going inexplicably slow. The corner deployment cap should clear up the closing-speed hazard that had both engineers and drivers nervous. Those two changes alone will bring the on-track product closer to what F1 fans have come to expect.

The start detection system and wet weather protocols are more invisible. You will only notice them if they work and definitely pay attention to them if they don’t work.

What these changes don’t fix: The basic architecture of the 2026 power unit. Cars still have a more complex energy balance than anything that came before them. Teams are still in a steep learning curve. The gap between Mercedes and the rest is still real. Miami will tell us whether regulation reforms produced better racing or made the energy management problem somewhere less obvious.

Watch the first lap carefully. If the initialization process changes, and the superclipping reduction persists, you will notice it almost immediately.

If you don’t – F1 has more work to do.

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Formula 1 is back. After a five-week break after Japan – the longest mid-season break in recent memory – the circuit returns to Hard Rock Stadium this weekend for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix. It’s also sprint weekend. The rules have changed. The situation is wild. And the title picture of the most dramatic early season in years is about to get its first real test on American soil.

Here’s what to see Sunday at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

Follow all the Miami Grand Prix action: Watch the race live on Apple TV+

1. Does Antonelli stay in the brightest light of the calendar?

Kimi Antonelli has won two races, led the championship, and broken Lewis Hamilton’s record as the youngest driver to top the standings. He’s done it all in Australia, China and Japan – circuits with serious racing pedigrees and relatively controlled environments.

Miami is different.

This is not a technical driver circuit with a respectable crowd. It draws 100,000 people, celebrity sightings, boat activations and a paddock that runs at full volume from Thursday morning. It is the loudest, most produced, most deliberate American event on the F1 calendar. Antonelli never finished a race weekend as the points leader. She’s never had to manage what this attention looks like in a city specifically designed to amplify it.

Antonelli, 19, has created a remarkable career so far. Miami will tell us something new about who she is.

2.McLaren comes out with a new car

Reigning constructor champion McLaren has had a nightmare start. Oscar Piastri could not start the first two races. Reigning driver champion Lando Norris is not on the podium. The MCL40 has been the third fastest car on the grid this weekend, 89 points behind Mercedes.

The Papaya team has spent five weeks fixing the car. Will it make a difference?

McLaren is expected to debut a significant upgrade package in Miami – described by multiple reports as close to an all-new car – featuring modifications to the floor, aerodynamics and rear suspension, designed to close the gap to the Mercedes and widen the car’s working window. Piastri almost achieved victory in Japan. With a full race weekend of upgrades and data, McLaren could be really dangerous here. Whether the package delivers or whether it’s another step in the right direction that still falls short of them, it sets the tone for the entire second leg of the season.

3. New rules hit Miami: Will racing really look different?

The FIA’s mid-season regulation package comes into effect at the end of this week. Following data from three races, F1 called an emergency meeting in which four unanimous changes were made: lowered super clipping limits to cut lift-and-coast times, limiting power deployment into corners to address dangerous closing speeds, a new race start detection system to improve safety, and updated wet weather protocols.

The goal is more flat-out driving and fewer moments where drivers are managing energy rather than racing. In theory, this should generate more wheel-to-wheel action. In practice, Miami will be the first real test of whether any of this works. The sprint format adds a complication – teams will have to adapt their strategies to the new parameters in both the Saturday sprint and Sunday’s main event.

Look carefully at the first few corners. If the startup process changes, you will know immediately.

4. George Russell needs to make a statement

George Russell wins the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. He is second in the championship, nine points behind, in the same car as the leader. On paper, it’s fine. In reality, Martin Brundle said it out loud in the quiet section: Russell needs to treat his 19-year-old team-mate like peak Lewis Hamilton or risk seeing the season slip away from him.

The five-week break was publicly framed as a reset. Personally, the pressure on Russell to go to Miami is real. Russell has so much F1 experience that no one on the grid would have expected Antonelli to compete with him any time soon. he has a car. He has a track record. Miami is an opportunity for him to re-establish himself as the championship favorite he was considered before the season started. A win here completely changes the story.

The result of finishing second behind Antonelli is the opposite.

5. Can anyone from outside Mercedes win this race?

Mercedes has won all Grands Prix in 2026. Russell and Antonelli have secured front row positions in qualifying in all three rounds. Ferrari has been competitive – Charles Leclerc is third in the championship, but has yet to score a win. The McLaren, as mentioned, comes with upgrades but with unproven pace.

Miami’s circuit characteristics may matter here. The 19-turn layout and Florida’s hot weekend tendency for tire degradation has historically rewarded teams that can manage tires late in the race. The new power unit rules have altered performance in ways that are not yet fully understood, and mid-season rule changes introduce variables for which no one has real-world data.

If any circuit on the calendar is going to produce F1’s first non-Mercedes winner in 2026, it’s it. Leclerc has the pace to challenge. The timing of McLaren’s upgrade is deliberate. And Verstappen – winless and frustrated – knows Miami. He has won here before also.

This trend will end at the end of this week, otherwise it will be very difficult to stop.

Watch all the action from the 2026 Miami Grand Prix: Watch Race Week on Apple TV+

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Formula 1 is already undergoing a significant change to the 2026 rules in just the blink of an eye, taking effect in Miami.

The FIA ​​called an online meeting with team principals, power unit manufacturer CEOs and Formula One management on Monday, following data from three races from Australia, China and Japan. The result: unanimous agreement on a four-part package of 2026 Formula 1 rule changes that will reshape the performance of these cars for the remainder of the season.

F1 addresses superclipping glitch as part of changes

The title change takes aim at superclipping – the dreaded phenomenon where drivers spend too many laps harvesting energy instead of actually racing. The maximum permitted recharge has been reduced from 8 MJ (megajoules) to 7 MJ, and the peak Superclip power has been increased from 250 kW to 350 kW. The intention is simple: spend less time recharging, more time relaxing. Under the new parameters, the duration of the superclip should be reduced by approximately two to four seconds per lap. It’s a meaningful reduction from what fans saw in the initial run.

For racing, the boost system also has its limits. The 150 kW current power level at the time of activation is specifically designed to prevent the jerky, sudden performance fluctuations that occur when a driver presses the deployment button. The MGU-K will still pump out 350kW from corner exit to braking point, through acceleration zones, but will drop to 250kW elsewhere on the lap. The closing speed was becoming dangerous. It solves that problem without overtaking.

Watch all the Formula 1 action live at the Miami Grand Prix: Now available on Apple TV+

Race starts are changing for the remainder of 2026

Race starts are also addressed, although that piece is on a slightly different timeline. A new detection system will identify cars with abnormally low acceleration off the line and automatically trigger MGU-K deployment to ensure safe minimums. Flashing rear and side lights will warn following drivers. Miami is a test case, where full adoption will take place after an analysis of how it performs there.

Wet weather rules revamped for Miami Grand Prix and beyond

Attention was also paid to wet weather. The intermediate tire blanket temperature is being increased based on direct driver feedback, ERS deployment has been reduced in low-grip conditions and the rear lights are being simplified for better visibility through the spray.

The 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes still need to be approved by an e-vote of the FIA ​​World Motor Sport Council after being agreed, but given the unanimous stakeholder agreement on Monday, this is a formality. Miami is the turning point for the 2026 season – on and off the track.

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A new rumor is pushing the Miami Heat towards a trade this summer for the star they need, but it’s not Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Heat are certain to see roster changes this offseason. While they were linked to several trades before the February deadline, the front office took a conservative approach and did not make any meaningful changes to the roster. They had to pay the price for this.

They barely made it to this year’s NBA Play-ins. In their first game of the tournament, they faced a red-hot Charlotte Hornets team and were defeated late in the fourth quarter. But they lost their lead and lost in overtime. The loss means Miami will miss playoff basketball for the first time since 2019. This won’t happen in South Beach.

Many will expect the Heat to push hard to trade for unhappy Milwaukee Bucks veteran Antetokounmpo this summer. However, it would be an expensive deal, and mortgaging the future is a serious risk for a 31-year-old whose body is breaking down after 13 seasons in the NBA and multiple playoff trips. However, there may soon be a better option.

Ja Morant’s time in Memphis has unofficially ended

On Thursday, ESPN’s Tim McMahon and Michael C. Wright reported that Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has reportedly “told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he is no longer playing for Memphis.” A major factor is his hard feelings toward the organization and some of his teammates, who he feels have ostracized him when he was suspended by the NBA three seasons ago.

There is certainly risk in acquiring Morant. He has suffered even more injuries than Antetokounmpo over the past few seasons, and there are questions about character. However, he is 26 years old, and reports last year claimed that some inside the Heat organization believed they could get him back to All-Star form with the help of their culture.

Additionally, with his trade value being lower, he will come at a much more reasonable rate. And with contracts locked in, Miami may not be forced to make money favors by giving up key players. If they can keep Tyler Herro out of the trade, the trio of him, Morant and Bam Adebayo could be a big problem in the East next season.

Miami is an organization that thinks long term. Antetokounmpo will be looking for an even bigger contract over the next few years while on a career decline. While Morant needs fixing, he has the potential to be a big star and a core member of their team for the next decade. He feels like he is a better fit for them.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Miami Heat are out of the playoff race. On Tuesday night, the Heat lost to the Charlotte Hornets in overtime, ending their season in the play-in tournament. It was a shocking development, as Miami was ahead in the final 24 seconds of regulation and overtime.

Now, the Heat will look to miss the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Since trading Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors, this has not been the same Miami team. It’s clear that Heat president Pat Riley and company need to find a way to return to the NBA Playoffs.

This is why big changes are coming within the organization.

What is the Miami Heat’s top goal for the 2026 NBA offseason?

The Heat enter the 2026 NBA offseason with hopes of finding a superstar player. Miami was the only team in the Eastern Conference that did not make a move during the 2026 NBA trade deadline after pursuing Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Expect more of the same this offseason.

After a disappointing end to the season, the Heat will be looking for a superstar this offseason, including Antetokounmpo, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. NBA organizations have hit and miss on superstar players over the past five years, but it’s time to make a move.

“The Heat, Pat Riley, when I talk to rival executives it’s clear about the NBA: Pat Riley wants his whale, his shark, his tiger,” Charania said on NBA Today. “He went out last summer and made an offer for Kevin Durant. They didn’t choose Kevin Durant.”

“At the deadline, they offered for Giannis Antetokounmpo. They offered Tyler Herro, Kal’l Ware and a bunch of draft capital. The Bucks didn’t move Giannis, but they’ll be back in pursuit of Giannis, and then whatever star they can find will be available to look at, can we find that number one guy? [Bam Adebayo] The cornerstone, but just the understanding of finding that number one option, that offensive juggernaut that they depend on all night long.”

Riley and the front office are set to make a big acquisition this summer. It seems like everyone will be at the table except Bam Adebayo.

Why can’t the Miami Heat attack any superstars now?

Miami can’t afford to land an NBA superstar this offseason. The Heat have tried to acquire Antetokounmpo, Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard and many others over the past six years. No one reached out to Miami even after Lillard listed the organization as his preferred destination.

The Heat have been in the play-in tournament for four consecutive seasons. The organization lacks the ability to get a high pick in the NBA Draft in exchange for a first-round exit and a magical run as a No. 8 seed in 2023. Miami failed to reach the 2023 NBA Finals over the hill, leaving it looking for more.

Now, it’s time to choose a direction. Riley and the Heat will either have to acquire a superstar or dismantle the roster and start around Adebayo. Miami can no longer afford to get caught in a basketball trap. The team has amassed a number of superstars over the past few seasons by mismanaging assets.

The Heat haven’t been very active in changing the team in 2020 other than acquiring Kyle Lowry and trading Butler to Golden State. It’s been a long time since Miami has had a true No. 1 pick to lead a team to the NBA Finals. Quite frankly, Antetokounmpo is the answer.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the answer to the Miami Heat’s problems

Milwaukee almost pulled the trigger on a package to Miami at the NBA trade deadline, but chose to wait until the offseason. It seems like a divorce is going to happen and the Heat will have to be there to attack. Everyone and everything needs to be on the table to acquire Antetokounmpo this offseason.

The 31-year-old superstar has had to battle injuries, but a change in scenario could put him in a better position. The Heat should offer Tyler Herro, Kal’l Ware, Jaime Jacquez Jr. and all possible trade options to the Bucks. Miami should try to navigate multi-team trades to give Milwaukee even more.

This is for relay. After years of struggling to acquire a pure NBA superstar, Antetokounmpo is likely to be on the table. If the Heat can’t find a way to acquire Antetokounmpo or another difference maker, it’s fair to question the future of the organization. Antetokounmpo will lead the team on offense, defense and in the locker room.

Adebayo has performed well in this role, but it’s clear he can’t do it all alone. Antetokounmpo changes everything and he brings the heat of play-in tournament mediocrity to the contenders in the Eastern Conference. It can’t stop there either. Riley needs to build the best team around his two star players.

There’s time before the Heat go “all-in” on trading for Antetokounmpo or another superstar. For the first time this decade, Miami will watch the NBA Playoffs and wait for transactions to begin this summer. This is why the Heat will have to make big changes.

This “heat culture” is not standard.

READ MORE: Winners and losers from the first night of the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament, including the Miami Heat

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

Casual fans who came to watch Miami Dolphins football last season will be in for a special surprise when the 2026 NFL season begins this fall. The team’s most notable players have either been waived or traded, including Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Heck, even head coach Mike McDaniels has been let go. While the Dolphins’ departures already look like a Pro Bowl roster, more changes could be coming to South Beach.

While first-year Dolphins general manager John-Eric Sullivan has previously stated that the team has three “pillars”. He said those players are Pro Bowl running back D’Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer and All-Pro linebacker Jordan Brooks. However, all three of those cornerstones or “pillars” are entering the final year of their contracts.

With the way the Dolphins have torn the roster down to the studs, some of these players may not have much interest in re-signing with Miami. Sure, the burden of money may sway his opinion, but other teams smell blood in the water, and trade activity could increase during the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

While Sullivan had previously committed to the three names above sticking with the Dolphins for years to come, when questioned again recently, he changed his tune.

Now Sullivan is saying, “No one is untouchable in this business.” Dolphins fans found out just how hard it was to see one of their biggest stars leave earlier this offseason. Yet now dolphins are seen putting up for sale signs in their yards for leftover scraps.

Of course, Sullivan is right that no one is untouchable in the NFL. But that still doesn’t reveal how willing the team is to actually deal its remaining top talent. Yet, as we’ve seen before, it only takes one offer for Miami to refuse to change plans.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft: Trades that captured the first round of the NFL draft

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Tom Brady was spotted walking his dog after completing a gym session in Surfside, Florida on Wednesday afternoon. There is nothing strange in this. Correct?

Correct?

The seven-time Super Bowl champion, wearing his signature Noble gear and carrying a gym bag, led the pup through a Miami-area neighborhood before speeding back to his car.

However, viewers immediately noticed that the dog bore a striking resemblance to Brady’s late pitbull mix, Lua — and for good reason: The dog walking next to him was Junie, an exact genetic clone of the beloved family pet.

A clone. Bruh.

NFL legend Tom Brady has been spotted five months after revealing the shocking news that his dog Junkie was cloned. 🔗 https://t.co/vg8k38nCw0 pic.twitter.com/ErAsC87pqr

– Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) 9 April 2026

Tom Brady was spotted casually walking his cloned dog Junie in Miami

Well, it’s good to see Brady relaxing here. Concentrated. As they proceeded down the road, they paid their full attention to the dog.

Juni Lua has an attractive image. You’d hope so, because I’m sure he paid a lot of money to buy the clone.

The puppy was walking comfortably on a leash and was getting curious glances from the locals in Miami’s upscale neighborhood. This brief public appearance was one of the first widely photographed moments of Brady out and about with the cloned dog after news of the unusual arrangement broke last year.

Brady publicly revealed in November last year that Junie was created through non-invasive cloning technology from a blood sample taken from Lua before she passed away in 2023.

Which was right after his divorce from Gisele Bundchen. Take into account his struggles leading up to retirement, and one can imagine that Brady has separation anxiety.

Working with biotech firm Colossal Biosciences — a company in which Brady is an investor — the former NFL star gave his three children a “second chance” along with their beloved family pet.

Tom Brady revealed that his current dog Junie is a clone of his late dog Lua, who died in December 2023. @bellycreech 🤯

The dogs were cloned by Colossal Biosciences, a biotech company in which Brady is an investor, using blood collected before Lua’s death. pic.twitter.com/1yEYrjILqz

– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) 4 November 2025

While Brady saw the move as one out of love for his animals, the confession sparked widespread reaction online, with many calling it “weird” and questioning why he didn’t adopt a shelter dog instead.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who described himself as both “a dog guy and a Brady guy,” expressed this sentiment bluntly: “It’s weird as f—.”

Cloning a pet typically costs between $50,000 and $85,000.

Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss

A new report reveals the possibility that the Miami Dolphins have the top pick in this month’s NFL Draft, and it’s sure to disappoint the team’s fans.

It’s been a very busy offseason for the Dolphins. After a 7–10 finish, ownership decided to dismantle the team’s leadership and brought in a new regime led by John-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach. But that was just the beginning.

Over the past few weeks, the team has adopted a strategy of additions and subtractions by trading Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick and cutting Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. This is a big change that comes with a lot of dead cap and serious limitations to fill those holes. That’s why the 2026 draft will be so important for Sullivan and Hafley in the first year. Especially his selection at 11th overall.

The team has been linked with a variety of players at that position. As we get closer to the event, projected top-five talents Carnell Tate and Caleb Downs are becoming realistic options for the Dolphins at 11. Anyone can fill the spots left by Hill, Waddle or Fitzpatrick. However, the new leadership of the team has a different player they would love to have.

Spencer Fano is the Miami Dolphins’ dream pick at No. 11 in the NFL Draft

ESPN’s Jordan Reed reports, “Sources tell me the Dolphins are big fans of Utah lineman Spencer Fano and will take him at No. 11 overall.” “The team likes his versatility, believing he can play any interior position or be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle.

“Austin Jackson is entering a contract year, and there are a lot of question marks about his durability. The new front office is leaning on selecting an offensive lineman to start his tenure, so this pairing makes a lot of sense,” he said.

Although getting an offensive lineman won’t get Dolphins fans excited – especially if Downs and Tate are still on the board at that point – Fano is an attractive prospect. He doesn’t look like it, but he is an impressive athlete for his position and was impressive during his tenure with the Utes. Additionally, he can play the two guard and tackle spots at a high level, and he took snaps as a center during the combine.

Taking Fano at No. 11 won’t garner wild cheers from Dolphins fans, but he could easily become a key building block for contending teams for years to come.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new report from the Miami Dolphins may have revealed Jeff Hafley and John-Eric Sullivan’s entire strategy for the first NFL Draft as leaders of the program.

It’s been a very busy offseason for the Dolphins. After a 7–10 finish, ownership decided to clean out the team’s brain trust and gave new leadership to Sullivan as general manager and Hafley as head coach. But that was just the beginning.

Over the past few weeks, the team has adopted a strategy of additions and subtractions by trading Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick and cutting Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. This is a big change that comes with a lot of dead cap and serious limitations to fill those holes. That’s why the 2026 draft will be so important for Sullivan and Hafley in the first year.

Do the Miami Dolphins have to wait until days 2 and 3 of the draft to select a receiver?

The Green Bay Packers underdogs will have to build on their picks later this month and set the stage for an even better season to come. But how will they do this? Well, according to ESPN NFL expert Jordan Reed, it will be by following the blueprint he learned in Green Bay, but it could also include “aggressive” use of the additional draft assets they have.

“I expect the Dolphins to be very active throughout the draft after clearing their roster in the studs this offseason,” Reed wrote. “Sullivan comes from the Packers tree, and Green Bay has historically valued premium position picks in Round 1 and pass catchers in Days 2 and 3.

“I think this trend will continue, as there are chances to add linemen early. But with 11 picks, the Dolphins can be aggressive and move up the board for a prospect they really want.”

The Dolphins have seven picks in the top 100 spots of the NFL Draft. So while they took on a lot of debt to overhaul the roster, they will have plenty of opportunities to get a lot of good players in the first three rounds. Or, they can move on and find prospects they love because they have the assets to move forward.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Miami Dolphins don’t have much left on their roster after eliminating a large portion of the roster. This season will be viewed as an opportunity for the new-look Dolphins to rebound after shedding several major salaries. Nevertheless, the Dolphins are still excited about the upcoming season.

After all, they have a new general manager, a first-year head coach and a new franchise quarterback. Naturally, Dolphins fans are eager to see what Malik Willis is capable of after having some of his greatest moments on the Packers.

Yet, soon enough, the focus will turn to the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Dolphins have a prime opportunity to seriously upgrade their roster. With 11 draft selections in three days, he has the second-most selections in the NFL. That group includes the 11th and 30th picks in the first round.

recently, athleticNick Baumgardner weighed in on some draft predictions as the three-day selection event approaches. When it came to the Dolphins, they led Miami to select offensive tackle Spencer Fano of Utah, who many consider the best or second-best offensive lineman in the draft class.

Baumgardner thinks Fanno, who practiced at all five positions in front of NFL evaluators at the scouting combine, could play left or right tackle in the pros.

Pauline wrote, “It feels like the destination for what’s left of the Fano-Mauigoa duo.” “Fano’s blend of athleticism and strength makes him a very interesting run blocker, and despite some length concerns, he could probably play right or left tackle in the NFL.”

Fano is viewed as a surefire first-round pick, but his actual draft slot is everywhere, from a top-10 pick to somewhere in the teens. That means he could definitely be in the game with the Dolphins’ first pick. Unless, of course, another team falls in love with him first.

RELATED: Former NFL defensive lineman thinks Reuben Benn Jr. will be fired as GM

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According to ESPN’s updated NFL Mock Draft, the player who looked likely to be taken early in the top 10 of the NFL Draft will fall to the Miami Dolphins at No. 11 overall.

After a disappointing 7–10 season, change was expected. However, Miami fans got more than they expected. He fired head coach Mike McDaniels and replaced him with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Then they started working on reimagining the roster.

The Dolphins took on a lot of dead cap, breaking up with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, linebacker Bradley Chubb and receiver Tyreek Hill. They then traded veterans Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Waddle. The bold overhaul has left glaring holes on the roster, especially in the wide receiver room.

That’s why the Dolphins have been linked to several pass catchers with their pick at No. 11 in the draft, including USC’s Makai Lemon and Arizona State’s Jordan Tyson. However, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper believes a stud WR prospect who many thought could go top five will fall to Miami.

Will Carnell Tate fall to the Dolphins at No. 11 in the NFL Draft?

“Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are gone. But Carnell Tate’s route-running ability, sure hands and range as a pass catcher will move quarterback Malik Willis to WR1 and boost the Dolphins’ lackluster receiver room,” Kiper wrote in ESPN’s new NFL mock draft.

The Ohio State star has long been considered the top receiver in this year’s class, with projections calling him going to the New York Giants at No. 5 or the Cleveland Browns at No. 6. However, in ESPN’s mocks, he is the second WR off the board after the Browns took Lemon with their first pick.

Some draft pundits, obviously, believe the Trojan star is the best receiver in the 2026 class. But many are impressed by Tate’s all-round skills and ability to make an immediate impact in the NFL. If he loses to the Dolphins at 11, Miami’s decision-makers won’t be disappointed.

Tate had a breakout season in 2025, posting 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 51 catches.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

As the Miami Heat prepare to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, the team is trying to bounce back from a heartbreaking 123-122 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday. As the Heat go through a tough four-game stretch, head coach Erik Spoelstra explains what the team is going through.

Miami’s loss to Houston saw the team blow a 12-point lead, but then surrendered what turned out to be a close game throughout the season, led by an impeccable night from Bam Adebayo, who recorded 32 points and 21 rebounds. Still, it came down to the final possession, in which Amen Thompson’s put-back basket won the game, adding to the “pain” the Heat were going through, as Spoelstra said.

“When you say you have to develop some patience, you have to go through it,” said Spoelstra, formerly of Axe, via Heat Central on Twitter. “When you feel like every possession matters, and part of the grit is that you have to go through some pain. So we’re going to go through some pain right now, and it’s going to steal us. It’s going to make us better, and we’ll focus on getting ready for a tough opponent on Monday.”

Coach Spo with more about finding his ‘grit’

“When you say you have to develop some patience you have to go through it. There are consequences. When you feel these types of emotions and realize that every asset matters. Part of the patience is that you have to go through some pain.… https://t.co/6EZBv3SFWq pic.twitter.com/pdsRdiGf4y

– Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) 22 March 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on recovering from recent tough loss

As the Heat prepare for the playoffs, with the team struggling to get out of the play-in tournament, the goal now is to not let these tough losses get the roster down. However, a final game like the one against the Rockets would be a pity, as Adebayo made a great save on Kevin Durant, with Thompson running after the team for the put-back.

“Just stick with it,” Spoelstra said. “We’re talking about having collective composure, and we thought we showed that composure during the game… You just think about the karma of the game, we’ll find a way to get out of here with a win. Missed a block-out at the end. And Thompson had a great game.”

Who was at fault in the last match for Heat Nation to win??? pic.twitter.com/hawFEmz0wl

– Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) 22 March 2026

At any rate, Miami will be trying to snap its losing streak against a strong opponent on Monday in the Spurs.

The Miami Heat are finally ready to close the book on the Terry Rozier era. After a season defined more by legit headlines than highlights, Miami is expected to waive the veteran guard before the NBA playoffs begin. The move is intended to clear a roster spot for the postseason, allowing Pat Riley and the front office to add depth or convert a two-way contract once the regular season ends.

Terry Rozier has not played a single minute for the Heat this season. His absence began after October 1. 23 arrests related to federal investigation of illegal gambling. While he remained on the roster as a potential trade chip, his expiring $26.6 million contract found no taker before the February deadline. With the team now holding a 38–31 record and fighting for position in the crowded Eastern Conference, Miami has decided it is time to move on.

The veteran guard must clear waivers before the regular season ends on April 12, meaning the Heat will likely make the move official by April 9. Last season, Rozier averaged 10.6 points and 2.6 assists in 64 games for Miami, but his production dropped significantly after a trade to the Charlotte Hornets.

In his absence, players like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have carried the load. Herro is currently averaging 21.4 points per game, while Adebayo has been a force in the paint with 20.0 points and nearly 10 rebounds a night. The Heat recently lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in a hard-fought game, highlighting the need for a final, cohesive roster to advance to the play-in or playoff rounds.

Waiver of Rozier potentially opens up a seat for contributors like Pelle Larsson or Keishad Johnson to join the standard roster. While the gambling case continues in court, the Heat have focused on the court, opting for playoff flexibility rather than a roster spot that has been unused for months.

It’s a whole new environment in South Beach following the departure of Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. The new system, led by GM John-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, has wasted no time in making its mark on this franchise.

It all started with trimming Tua Tagovailoa from the roster, even though it meant a record-setting $99 million dead cap charge for the 2026 NFL league year. Subsequent moves have been equally notable, with the Dolphins releasing a pair of Pro Bowl players in Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. They’ve also traded a pair of Pro Bowlers, sending Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets for a lottery scratch-off, and getting top value for Jaylen Waddle.

Now, it’s time to rebuild this thing from the ground up. One of the most challenging aspects after moving on from a franchise QB in Tagovailoa was how the Dolphins would find their next solution under center. It didn’t take much time.

The Dolphins signed one of the top free agent quarterbacks available, signing Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with $45 million guaranteed. This decision is sure to be criticized by football critics across the industry. Still, some people liked Miami’s move.

Count out ESPN’s Seth Walder as an NFL analyst who thinks the Dolphins made one of the best signings in free agency this offseason. For a Dolphins team that had no clear path forward at QB, Walder believes Miami got exactly what they needed by taking a chance on the upside that Willis represents.

Certainly, there are obvious potential drawbacks with a quarterback who has made just six starts since arriving as a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Willis is far from a perfect product. Yet the Dolphins, who have two key decision-makers at the helm who were with Willis in Green Bay, are confident in the 26-year-old dual-threat QB’s development into a star in South Beach.

RELATED: Teams keep trying to trade for another Miami Dolphins Pro Bowler

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The Miami Dolphins have been one of the busiest teams of the offseason. We’ve already seen them move on from their head coach and general manager, and the new leadership group has wasted no time in whittling down the roster.

That process took a big leap Tuesday, then, when GM John-Eric Sullivan traded star receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a first-round pick plus changes. It’s clear the Dolphins are in the middle of a fire sale. It has also prompted teams to go after other players on Miami’s roster. But it turns out that not everything is ready to be achieved.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, teams are also trying to trade for Pro Bowl running back D’Von Achane. However, the Dolphins have no interest in trading their 24-year-old starting running back. The Dolphins are responding to teams by telling them he is not available.

However, Achane is eligible for a contract extension this summer, and he could be one of the few players with whom the new arrangement commits to a multi-year deal immediately. Thus, teams looking to inject some pace into their attack will have to look elsewhere.

Achen was drafted by the Dolphins in the third round as the 84th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. He started only four games as a rookie, but the Dolphins still couldn’t keep him off the field, as Achane was so effective. He has rushed for 800, 907 and 1,350 yards in his three playing seasons, and South Beach could have more meat for one of the game’s best running backs.

RELATED: Jaylen Waddle traded: Winners, losers from Broncos and Dolphins deal

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MIAMI – The Miami Heat lost 121-117 to the Orlando Magic for the fifth time this season on Saturday night, pushing them back in the Eastern Conference standings, with the team looking to avoid the play-in tournament. Since this is the right time for the Heat with the return of Norman Powell and Tyler Herro from injury, Adebayo will talk about the upcoming program.

Miami has finished in the play-in tournament the past three seasons, meaning they have finished anywhere between the seventh and 10th seeds, competing with other teams for the final two playoff spots in the East. The team has four weeks left in the regular season to solidify a spot in the postseason, but these next six games will undoubtedly be a “gauntlet,” as Adebayo said.

Bam Adebayo is taking advantage of two off days as he and the Heat have had a grueling schedule recently: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/nReVZySlR0

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 15 March 2026

Looking at the next six games, it includes four teams with winning records, except for the Charlotte Hornets, who they will face on Tuesday, who are 34-34 but have been one of the hottest teams in the league recently, going 18-6 in their last 25 games.

After hosting the Los Angeles Lakers (42-25) on Thursday, Miami will travel to face the Houston Rockets (41-25) on Saturday to close out the week. The following week, the San Antonio Spurs (49–18) came to Miami, the team concluded the week with two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers (41–27).

Where the heat had to be endured on Saturday, it will have to be changed

While the Heat are focused on Adebayo scoring a historic 83 points, as well as continuing a seven-game winning streak prior to the Magic’s loss, the team is now focused on impressing in the toughest stretch of the season. Apart from the offensive side of the ball, it all starts with the defense for the team, which was a disappointing aspect on Saturday.

Orlando came out and scored 41 points in the first quarter, shooting nearly 70 percent from the field, and while Miami got close at the end after being down by 22 points, it was too late. At any rate, Miami looks to bounce back against the Hornets on Tuesday as they are 38-30, leaving them in seventh place in the East.

MIAMI – As the buzz around the Miami Heat is that Bam Adebayo scored a historic 83 points against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, there are a lot of positives to take away as the team enters Saturday on a seven-game winning streak. The Heat beat the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday after Adebayo scored 83 points, with second-year guard Pelle Larsson leading the team on a career night.

Spoelstra said before the game that after Adebayo scored 83 points, that type of outing is likely to motivate the players in the locker room to step up. What Larsson did on Thursday is really impressing all season long, being a mainstay in the starting lineup as Saturday marks his 44th chance to start a game against the Magic.

On Thursday against the Bucks, Larsson scored a career-high 28 points on nine of 14 from the field, two of three from deep, six rebounds and six assists. He even hit the three that put Milwaukee out of the game, which shows how “reliable” he is, as Erik Spoelstra reiterated.

“He’s gaining more trust and confidence as the season goes on. Now. He’s been really reliable from day one. There was a huge leap of improvement last year,” Spoelstra told ClutchPoints. “I would say the last six weeks of the season, and then going into the summer, led them to have a great training camp in the preseason.”

“And then from there, you know, he just kept forcing us to play him,” Spoelstra continued. “You know, he’s coming off the bench or starting. It doesn’t matter. He’s just got to be on the court because he does a lot of winning things. And then, you know, his work ethic is also helping him improve his offensive skill set, which he saw the other night. And then now, you know, that’s the last element of getting a lot of confidence from the game and playing well.”

Asked Erik Spoelstra about Pelle Larsson and whether he was a surprise to see his jump in Year 2.

“He’s been really reliable from day one, with a big leap in improvement in the last six weeks of the season last year…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/zdQBwUJWno

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 14 March 2026

Heat’s Pelle Larsson talks career night after Bam Adebayo’s special game

While the Heat were dealing with an emotional night in which Adebayo made history Tuesday by recording 83 points, the second-highest scoring game in NBA history, the next game on Thursday could have been a trap game. This could have been a frustrating game for Miami as their emotional batteries were not recharged, but it was Larsson who led the team to an eventual victory.

Larsson excelled with his physical ability in creating driving lanes and gaining advantages at the rim, even showcasing his playmaking ability and being active on both sides of the ball. The leap from a dependable player to a former second-round pick has been fun for fans, however Thursday had a different feeling as the 25-year-old entered clutchpoints.

“Yeah, it’s weird, because, like, what we experienced was so out of the ordinary that it was hard to get out of it, the dream, kind of say,” Larson said, referencing Adebayo’s 83-point game. “But very quickly we got into the game, at full speed, at full speed, and then it was easier to play hard and then try to win.”

Pelle Larsson was asked about being one of the players moving forward after Bam Adebayo’s 83-point night, tying for his career night.

“It’s a bit strange because what we experienced was so different from the norm that it was difficult to get over it…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/BEzfIl9VmN

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 13 March 2026

Heat’s Bam Adebayo yells out to teammates at a game after 83-point night

While Larsson led the way for Miami on Thursday, rookie and 19-year-old Kasparus Jacusionis were the other beneficiaries, continuing to show flashes as he scored 18 points on six of 12 shooting from the field, five of 11 from deep, to go with seven rebounds. Adebayo will praise two young players for stepping up.

“Man, I’m thankful for my guys,” Adebayo said after the win over the Bucks. He recorded 21 points and eight rebounds after an 83-point night. “They stepped up massively, especially Pell [Larsson]especially kas [Jakucionis]. They were aggressive, and they were being vocal. They’re open, they’re shooting it, or they’re running it; They’re making the right plays.”

“That’s the thing about our offense. Anybody can cook it. And, you know, tonight it was like Pell and Cass and me in the fourth, I turned it on. But that’s the thing about our offense, man. It’s one of those things, like, you go to jail by sharing the ball, and it makes it harder for the other team,” Adebayo continued.

Bam Adebayo was asked about his 83-point performance, which led Pelle Larsson and Kaspars Jaksionis:

“Man, I’m grateful to my guys. They stepped up in a big way, especially Pele, especially Kass. They were aggressive and they were being vocal…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/0LAukBgnIa

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 13 March 2026

At any rate, the Heat are expecting massive contributions from Larsson and others as the team heads into the home stretch of the season.

Tuesday night was one to remember for Bam Adebayo — and some of those closest to him watched it live.

Among them is none other than his mother Marilyn Blount, who shared a heartwarming moment with her son after his incredible scoring performance in the Heat’s 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards at the Kasia Center in Miami.

Amidst the celebration on the court, Adebayo’s mother walked over to her son and the two hugged each other.

Bam Adebayo and his mom hug after scoring a historic 83 points in a game they’ll always remember.

❤️ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1x9E0jPqra

– SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) 11 March 2026

There’s probably no one more proud of what Bam Adebayo has accomplished than his mother, who has always been there to support the former Kentucky Wildcats star.

Adebayo and his mom have really come a long way. They lived together in a single-wide trailer, and in 2020, Adebayo gave his mother a new house on her birthday.

“My mom never had anything she could call her own,” Adebayo said at the time (via ESPN ).

“So growing up, to be able to do something different with basketball and be a special player, it was something that was always in the back of my mind, I always wanted to do. And to have the opportunity to do that for my mom is an incredible feeling.”

Against the Wizards, Adebayo recorded the second-highest scoring performance in a single game in NBA history, as he led Washington to 83 points. He shot 20 for 43 from the field and hit seven 3-pointers, while shooting 36 for 43 from the free-throw line. Adebayo added nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in 42 minutes.

As the Miami Heat are dealing with an upcoming make-or-break week with the start of the season home stretch, there is a big update regarding the situation with Terry Rozier. Since this has been an unprecedented situation with the Heat and Rozier, there are many who believe the team should receive compensation, and that’s what happened on Monday.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets are giving Miami a second-round pick in 2026 to “resolve a dispute” over the position with Rozier. The Heat traded Kyle Lowry for Rozier in the first round on January 23, 2024, before that season’s trade deadline.

Charania, formerly of the

Although this appears to be the resolution of the dispute, Rozier is still on Miami’s books as his status continues to come to light after being arrested by the federal government due to gambling ties at the beginning of the season. According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, this would be “more favorable”, considering a second-round pick.

“The 2026 second-round selection the Heat will receive from the Hornets is more favorable to Golden State and Denver’s second-round selections,” Chiang wrote.

No lawsuit from the Heat was ever planned

While there were rumors about the Heat and Rozier as to what the next step would be for the team, there was some speculation about whether the team would file a lawsuit. Mostly, due to the league and Charlotte reportedly not telling Miami about possible gambling connections, the NBA conducted its own investigation of Rozier while he was with Charlotte.

However, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald would say that “Lawsuit was never an option” and that the second-round pick is “the final development on the case”.

Jackson further stated, “The Hornets never told the Heat that they knew Rozier was under investigation at the time of the trade, but there was no specific NBA rule against it.” “The Heat will send a lottery-protected first-rounder in 2027 to the Hornets. If the Heat miss the playoffs next season, Miami will retain its 2027 first-rounder and send a 2028 first-rounder to Charlotte.”

At any rate, the Heat are focused on extending their five-game winning streak with next Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards.

The Miami Heat delivered another explosive offensive performance Friday night, with Tyler Herro recording a dominant win that later drew praise from the opposing locker room. Herro’s performance showcased Miami’s offensive ability when clicking, and reinforced how difficult the Heat’s perimeter attack can be for opposing defenses to stop.

The Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets 128-120 on Friday at the Spectrum Center. Herro led the way with 33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. The guard also knocked down eight triples while controlling the pace throughout the game.

Herro’s offensive impact versus Charlotte’s defense proved decisive late in the game. Miami trailed briefly before closing out strongly in the fourth quarter, as Herro ignited a key run, hitting multiple shots from deep while consistently moving without the ball to create open looks.

After the game, Hornets head coach Charles Lee discussed the defensive challenges created by Herro. Hunter Bailey of the Charlotte Observer shared Lee’s comments after the loss, first on Twitter.

Charles Lee described how the game slipped away in the fourth quarter:

Lee looked at Miami’s zone, Tyler Herro’s ball security and more. pic.twitter.com/P0TZOU2flr

– Hunter Bailey (@Hunter_Bailey45) 7 March 2026

“Defensively, Herro’s off-ball stuff, I thought we could have been a little tougher by staying connected to his body,” Lee said, referencing Miami’s zone defense and Herro’s movement away from the ball.

The former Kentucky Wildcats standout was repeatedly moved into open space, leading to defensive failures and creating scoring opportunities that fueled Miami’s late offensive surge.

Hornets forward Brandon Miller also accepted the challenge of controlling the Heat guard in a video shared after the game r/CharlotteHornets Community on the platform too.

“I feel like Tyler Herro was doing whatever he wanted,” Miller said. “As long as we play with the mentality of not letting everyone come here and feel comfortable, we should win every home game across the spectrum.”

🎙️ Brandon Miller: “I feel like (Tyler Herro) was out there doing whatever he wanted. As long as we play with the mentality of not letting everybody come in here and being comfortable, we should win every home game at the Spectrum.” pic.twitter.com/CVj6yeFBZ5

– r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) 7 March 2026

The seven-year veteran’s performance snapped Charlotte’s six-game winning streak and led Miami to another impressive win.

MIAMI – Miami Heat captain Bam Adebayo is chasing Udonis Haslem’s record for most rebounds in team history, reaching a milestone in that goal on Tuesday. The Heat’s star in Adebayo displayed his defensive ability in Tuesday night’s 124-98 win over the Brooklyn Nets as he sent Haslem a message about getting closer to his record.

While Haslem still holds the record for most rebounds with 5,791, his defensive rebound mark of 4,176 has been broken by Adebayo, who now totals 4,180 after grabbing eight of them on Tuesday. Adebayo and Haslem have a close relationship off the court, but there is also a friendly rivalry due to the star’s speed, which is likely to see the 28-year-old break the overall record soon with 235 boards adrift.

“I’m on the way. He knows it, that gap is getting closer and closer,” Adebayo told ClutchPoints after scoring a game-high 23 points with nine rebounds. “Being a part of this organization, the guys ahead of me, there are records to be broken, but they want you to earn them. And obviously, I’m earning it every game, and at some point, it’s going to happen.”

However, in search of the full record, asked Bam Adebayo about breaking Udonis Haslem’s defensive rebound record:

“I’m on my way man, he knows it, that gap is getting closer and closer…” #HeatNation

Full response: pic.twitter.com/dXdee71zZg

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 4 March 2026

Bam continues to make franchise history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Kd2g1FfMPv

– Miami Heat (@MiamiHEAT) 4 March 2026

In addition to breaking records, the Heat’s Bam Adebayo is also playing elite defense

Adebayo is also demonstrating that he is one of the league’s best defensive players, as he led the NBA in defensive rating (99.7) in February. After the rare occurrence of not making the NBA’s All-Defensive team last season, he believes people may be “tired of seeing consistency.”

“But as I’ve grown up in this league, the standards have changed,” Adebayo said after recording a career-high six steals and a team-high +22 on Tuesday. “You’ve got guys that aren’t making the playoffs, they’re at the bottom of the league record… I don’t know if it’s just voter fatigue, but I’m always going to be first-team on defense. That’ll never change, no matter what the voters say. My guys know that.”

Bam Adebayo made it a point to remind people that he’s one of the NBA’s best defenders, despite not being on the All-Defensive team last season.

“I think people get tired of seeing consistency… I’m always going to be first-team on defense… My teammates know that…”

Full response: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/zUpEVCcjo8

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 4 March 2026

This type of outing from Adebayo is especially needed at this point in the season, as the team is trying to climb out of the eighth seed and play-in tournament play like they have been in the past three seasons. After the win over the Nets, Adebayo would insist that “we can’t afford any more mistakes.”

“We have a lot going on in the first half of the season, and you have to hold each other to a higher standard and accountability,” Adebayo said. “And it gets uncomfortable sometimes, because you feel like you don’t want to go too far, but in that sense, man, we’ve passed that stage, and we’re trying to do something special, and it’s going to affect all of us, and we have to hold each other accountable in some serious situations.”

Bam Adebayo asked about taking care of business tonight:

“We can’t afford any more mistakes, we’ve done a lot in the first half of the season… We’re trying to do something special and that will impress us all…” #HeatNation

Full response: pic.twitter.com/9spUJ021BC

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 4 March 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on Bam Adebayo chasing Udonis Haslem’s record

Teams facing the Heat could be accused of tanking, they took care of business on Tuesday night against the now 15-46 Nets, led by Adebayo’s anchoring performance. As longtime teammate Tyler Herro talked about one of Adebayo’s better defensive seasons, another who has watched the big man up close is head coach Erik Spoelstra.

Tyler Herro speaks after the win over the Nets where he scored 22 on 8/15 from the field, 1-4 from deep.

Talked about getting more comfortable, predicted his three-point shot will get better as he plays, and more below. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/NK0YUd3h37

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 4 March 2026

Beyond basketball, Spoelstra will talk about the “quality human being” that Adebayo is, earning a chance to break the record of Haslem, a former player who has been a flag bearer for the franchise.

“I know he’s chasing him, so I’m sure he’ll do some crazy things to him. He wants to get the full rebound record, but it’s a testament to his consistency, and we love to see that,” Spoelstra said. “You know, records are meant to be broken, especially when good guys are breaking records. And Bam is a quality guy. And you know UD will love it when Bam finally surpasses him.”

“But he sets the tone in that first quarter,” Spoelstra continued. “I think he had four steals; he had a couple blocks in the first half, which really helped our defense. And that’s two really good defensive games in a row. Our defense has been good all year, but we need to step up to a really high level to finish out this regular season.”

Erik Spoelstra speaks on Bam Adebayo laying out and passing to Udonis Haslem for the most defensive rebound in Heat history.

“I know he’s stalking her, so I’m sure he’s saying some weird things…but that’s a testament to his consistency…”

Full Comment; #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/gtkvjlz8Xr

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 4 March 2026

At any rate, Adebayo and Miami will be looking to keep that going as they face Brooklyn once again on Thursday, with the team’s record at 33-29, which puts them in eighth place in the East, although they are a half-game behind the sixth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.

The Miami Dolphins have been one of the busiest teams of the offseason so far. New general manager John-Eric Sullivan isn’t afraid to make tough decisions, even if it means moving away from the cornerstones of the former franchise. The Dolphins have already traded away two Pro Bowl players in Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb this offseason. Minkah Fitzpatrick is also reportedly on the trade block.

Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa has long been rumored to be on the chopping block, yet Miami is trying to trade the former Pro Bowl quarterback instead.

Still, ESPN’s NFL insider Dan Graziano is “hopeful” the Dolphins will waive Tagovailoa instead. In other words, the Dolphins have not been able to find a trade partner for Tagovailoa, who has a $56.2 million cap hit for 2026.

Tagovailoa is coming off the worst season of his career after throwing a career-high 15 interceptions. However, the 28-year-old is still seen as someone who can potentially return to his top form with a change in scenario. Now hopefully the Dolphins give him the same opportunity that Murray is getting from the Cardinals.

Tagovailoa led the NFL in completion percentage in 2024, and had his only Pro Bowl season in 2023, when he led all passers with 4,624 yards. Certainly, another team would be eager to take a chance on him getting back on top, especially since it would likely come at a significantly lower rate than the veteran’s minimum contract.

RELATED: 5 potential Kyler Murray free agency landing spots after Cardinals release

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The Miami Heat will take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, with the team looking to bounce back from a poor performance on Tuesday, which saw them lose 128-117 to the Milwaukee Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo. As the Heat look to avoid the play-in tournament for this season, head coach Erik Spoelstra will talk about the pressures associated with the team.

Thursday’s game has some postseason implications, as Miami is the eighth seed with a 31-28 record, with Philadelphia (32-26) holding the coveted sixth seed, which is the last spot a team can get to avoid the play-in tournament. Although there are still 23 games left, the Heat must turn a corner and get a win, which made Tuesday’s loss to the underdog Bucks all the more painful, especially as Miami had its three-game winning streak snapped.

When Spoelstra was asked about the pressure on the team, he shared his latest feelings with tennis legend Billie Jean King.

According to the Miami Herald, when asked about the pressure on Miami due to avoiding the play-in tournament, Spoelstra said, “Okay. I hope so.” “That pressure is a privilege, and I want our locker room to feel that pressure. We need to take our game to a higher level.”

Norman Powell explains where the Heat “messed up”

While the Heat’s goal for the remainder of the season is to build some stability to peak at the right time, it needs to start on Thursday, as a win over the 76ers will give them the tiebreaker, something that could be important for seeding purposes. However, the team needs to be better than it was Tuesday, especially defensively, to allow Milwaukee to have offensive success without Antetokounmpo.

Miami also struggled offensively, allowing a 30-point quarter in the first half and a 39-point period in the final frame, making no field goals in the final six and a half minutes of the game. Norman Powell will still call the defense the Heat’s fault.

“Honestly, we didn’t get enough stops,” Powell said after scoring 26 points. “They kept going back to the same play. And a lot of times we messed up. Sometimes we were able to get it right, sometimes we weren’t. And I think they were able to be successful in that, and they had confidence. And they started making plays consistently, and we just didn’t get the stops we needed.”

Spoelstra will mention how the defense needs to travel in these important road games, as the team looks to live up to that notion for Thursday’s tilt against the 76ers.

On the same night that the Los Angeles Lakers honored Pat Riley with a statue for his time with the franchise, they recalled LeBron James’ days with the Miami Heat. Hall of Fame center Chris Bosh expressed his displeasure over James’ departure. Maybe Riley did the same, still wondering what if? LeBron, Bosh and Dwyane Wade won two championships in four seasons before LeBron signed with the Cleveland Cavs in 2014.

According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Riley believes James could lead the Heat to a third title.

Riley, 80, said when asked what James’ four-year tenure with the Heat meant to him during a press conference in Los Angeles on Sunday, “I thought with the Big 3 – Dwayne, Chris Bosh and especially LeBron – we finally put together what I thought could be a dynasty.”

“It was. Four consecutive trips to the finals, two world championships. It was an incredible run. And as a coach and someone who really thought about building that special team and built it, I saw something that could last for eight to 10 years.”

Nevertheless, Riley understood James’ decision to return to Cleveland, which ultimately led to the Cavs winning their first championship in franchise history.

“I get it,” Riley said of James’ decision to leave the Heat, adding that she now feels at peace with the way things are going 12 years after James’ departure. “Business in the NBA is business in the NBA. Players have opportunities to go elsewhere; he went to Cleveland and won a title there. So I wish him all the best.

“But I’m going to be selfish here and say I wish I had him for the next six or eight years. It would have been great. But we’ll never know, right?”

James will win his fourth title in 2020 and his first with the Lakers.

LeBron James is considering leaving the Heat

All-Star LeBron James honored Heat president Pat Riley, who led the Lakers to four championships from 1982 to 1988 as head coach. From his front-office position, Riley, who led the 2006 champion Heat to a title as coach, wanted James to lead his team to at least three championships.

James discussed his time with the Heat when a reporter relayed Riley’s comments, as noted by the Miami Herald.

Asked about Riley’s comments, James told reporters in Los Angeles on Sunday, “I never said I’d go there for four years and decide to go somewhere else.” “That’s the way the cards were played. But, yes, it’s human nature to look back and say what could have been. But that’s part of life. I thought the four years we had, obviously, were great.

“We managed to win two championships, unfortunately we lost two of them. But a lot of good memories, a lot of good times there. It will be interesting to see what could have been.”

The Lakers lost to the Celtics 111-89 on Sunday.

Although Pat Riley is best known for his impressive tenure as coach of the Lakers, he is equally synonymous with the success of the Miami Heat. Recently, the Lakers unveiled a statue honoring Riley’s contributions to the organization. During a sit-down conversation in Wade’s presence in Los Angeles on Sunday, Riley paid tribute to Wade for his career with Miami.

“He came in as a rookie… He was great. He was talented. He was talented… I’ve never seen a young guy work harder than Dwyane Wade to become one of the greatest players. Certainly the greatest player in Miami Heat history.”

Wade certainly earned the title of the greatest player in Heat history. He played with the organization from 2003 to 2016 before playing for the Bulls and Cavaliers. He then returned in 2018 and played with the team until his retirement in 2019. In that time, Wade won three NBA championships with the team, including his stellar performance in the 2006 NBA Finals. In the Heat’s historic comeback against the Mavericks, he averaged 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He scored 40 points twice in that series: 42 points in Game 3 and 43 points in Game 4.

His greatness continued into the Big Three era, providing a high-powered tandem with LeBron James that ultimately won two more championships for the organization. With 13 NBA All-Star selections, 8 All-NBA selections, and the 2006 NBA Finals MVP award in his career, Dwyane Wade earned a spot on the NBA Top 75 Players list in 2021 and etched himself in Miami Heat history.

MIAMI – As Miami Heat star Tyler Herro returned from his rib injury with a dominant 128-97 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, there’s no denying the guard has given the team a big boost. The Heat are looking to maximize their lineup now that Herro is in the mix, as chemistry appears to be building between the star and rookie Kasparus Jaksionis.

There are a couple of guys on the team who still haven’t figured out how much time Herro has missed, as he’s been absent not only 15 games prior to Friday’s win, but 45 games total with a myriad of issues. The saving grace is that the rookie Jacusionis is getting extended minutes at some point, either off the bench or in the starting lineup.

Since January 15 against the Boston Celtics, Jaksionis has recorded double-digit minutes in every game, showing the trust he has built with head coach Erik Spoelstra. On Friday, with both Herro and Jacusionis on the floor, there was a strong one-two punch in the backcourt as the rookie put the star in spots to score, also drawing the attention of Spoelstra, who saw a “rapport” blossoming.

“Obviously, we haven’t seen a lot of them, just because of availability, but the skill level, the talent, the offensive talent, just without spending a ton of time with them, you can see how the synergy could be,” Spoelstra said before the team took on the Grizzlies on Saturday night. “Kaas [Jakucionis] Is a playwright. He plays with speed, he wants to kick the ball forward, he wants to get the ball to people almost to a fault, and you could see that last night, he was looking for Tyler like every time.

Erik Spoelstra last night when Tyler Herro and Kaspars Jaksionis were on the court together: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/j6YsK8eKpl

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 21 February 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra talks Kasparus Jaksionis’ improvement

While Jaksionis has some unique attributes for the Heat, as he was drafted with the 20th overall pick in the last NBA Draft, he gives the team a true point guard with potentially elite play-making abilities, an ideal the roster is looking for.

At just 19 years old, there’s no denying the raw talent, however, as Jacusionis is recording consistent minutes, averaging 22.7 minutes so far in February. His improvement from his first season has been noticeable, with even Spoelstra talking about the Illinois product’s “work ethic.”

“So I’m excited about the prospects, but Kass continues to get better,” Spoelstra said. “If you look at where he was in summer league compared to where he is now, it’s really a credit to his work ethic. He spent a lot of time with Coach Quinn and all the pre-practice and post-practice sessions. You know, he’s improved a lot. He’s earned it.”

It remains to be seen what Jakusionis’ role looks like with the team getting healthy, though with Davion Mitchell missing Saturday’s game due to a head ailment, the rookie will also get a start over Herro as the team manages minutes following the star’s injury. Nevertheless, Herro led the Heat throughout the game with 24 points on nine of 14 shooting from the field and two of four from deep.

At any rate, the team is looking for continuity, as prior to Saturday’s tilt hosting Memphis, the team was 30-27, which puts them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Next, the Heat move on to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.

There’s a new decision-maker in town, and new Miami Dolphins general manager John-Eric Sullivan has been busy cutting costs this week. They’ve already said goodbye to four players, including a pair of Pro Bowl players in Tyreke Hill and Bradley Chubb.

Now, the Dolphins are preparing to cut bait with another star talent, even if he is a three-time All-Pro. Only, this time, instead of releasing him from the roster, the Dolphins are trying to get some trade compensation in return.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Dolphins are now fielding a trade offer for five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Although Schultz didn’t say it, if the Dolphins don’t get a trade offer to their liking, there’s always a possibility they decide to release Fitzpatrick as well. However, they naturally want to utilize any and all trading opportunities first.

Although the Dolphins will face a $12.9 million dead cap charge if they cut Fitzpatrick before June 1, they are hoping they find a trade partner for the 29-year-old New Jersey native. Releasing him now would only save a maximum of $5.8 million.

Thus, with the Dolphins putting the put-for-sale sign on one of their best defenders now, they have a better chance of getting some value in return than letting him leave for nothing.

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As the Miami Heat focused on restarting the season after the All-Star break, some business was done with the team, giving an undrafted standout a standard contract. Although the Heat are dealing with an inconsistent season, some standout things have happened, one of which is a two-way player in Myron Gardner who has been rewarded for his efforts.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Gardner and Miami have agreed to a standard three-year contract because he has played well as a two-way player. This contract now fills Miami’s 15th roster spot, which could be the maximum spot for a team, although a two-way opening has been cleared.

The other two-way player spots have been filled by Vladislav Goldin and Jahmir Young, as Gardner has recently seen expanded minutes under head coach Erik Spoelstra, especially due to some injuries the team has suffered. Gardner has started four times for the team, averaging 11.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while shooting 55.2 percent from the field and 53.8 percent from three-point range.

In addition to his ability on the court, Gardner is known for the physicality, personality and energy he brings to the Heat, with Norman Powell explaining how beneficial this has been to him.

“Myron is a character. I love Myron. He’s always high energy, high octane,” Powell told ClutchPoints on January 18. “He’s always hitting and hitting you; it’s always a positive energy, positive light that comes from him. I’m encouraging everybody. Everybody around him is laughing and joking. But when he steps out there, he’s 125%, 150% every time. And we need that.”

Asked Norman Powell about the influence of Myron Gardner:

“Myron is a character, I love Myron. He’s always high energy, high octane… He’s encouraging everybody, everybody around him is laughing and joking, but when he steps out there, he’s 125%, 150% every time…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/2Ufy8RSgU1

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 18 January 2026

Heat’s Bam Adebayo needs teammates like Myron Gardner

As Gardner continues to anchor the Heat throughout the remainder of the season, he is doing the same with the team’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Active on the glass and making his presence felt, the 24-year-old has already earned respect from Miami, with captain Bam Adebayo emphasizing his important role.

“You need teammates like him, like throw him in the game, and he’ll play as hard as he can. But when Myron checks into the game, you feel a difference right away,” Adebayo said on Jan. 21.

Bam Adebayo on the “kid energy” that Myron Gardner has after a standout performance:

“I can’t describe Myron, but you need teammates like him. Throw him in the game and he’ll play as hard as possible.. When Myron checks into the game, you immediately feel a difference…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/h8RR8FaOqx

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 18 January 2026

At any rate, Gardner wants to be a part of helping the Heat turn their season around, which has them at 29-27, placing them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference as their next game is on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo committed to the Milwaukee Bucks this season after not being traded at the February 5 deadline, the question now turns to his status in the offseason. As the basketball world has been theorizing on potential trades for the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, one popular destination has been the Miami Heat, an area he made fun of during All-Star weekend.

After an event on Sunday, Antetokounmpo was asked by a fan if people would see him in Miami sometime this year, to which the star player responded with a joke.

“Giannis, will we see you in Miami this year?”

“For the holidays,” Antetokounmpo replied.

“Giannis, will we see you in Miami this year?”

Giannis Antetokounmpo: “For the holidays.” 😅

(via Courtesydemia/TikTok)pic.twitter.com/I9ZEe38ILV

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

Playing on the fact that the Heat have long been rumored to be linked to Antetokounmpo, and it is also a popular vacation spot for many, it seemed as if the 31-year-old couldn’t help himself.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is “committed” to the Bucks

While the Bucks kept Antetokounmpo past the trade deadline, Hindicated is also ready for a new home. 5 or in the upcoming offseason. However, his current focus for the remainder of the season is “committed” to Milwaukee, as he told Malika Andrews in an interview this weekend.

“To this day, I’m committed to the Milwaukee Bucks, I’m committed to the people I work with, my teammates, the coaching staff, Coach Doc [Rivers]and john [Horst] In the front office,” Antetokounmpo said. “You’ll never hear me say I don’t want to be a Milwaukee Buck. I am a winner and extremely loyal.”

“If there were ever a situation where I couldn’t be a Milwaukee Buck, I don’t want anyone to think, ‘Hey man, I left my team because it’s my team and I love it.'”

Giannis:

“As of today I’m committed to the Milwaukee Bucks, I’m committed to the people I work with, my teammates, the coaching staff, Coach Doc and John in the front office… You’ll never hear me say I don’t want to be a Milwaukee Buck. I’m a winner and I’m extremely… pic.twitter.com/ihRNC7zw3q

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 15 February 2026

It remains to be seen what Antetokounmpo’s future looks like with the Bucks, but there is still a lot of work to be done with the team’s 23-30 record currently, which puts them in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee’s first game after the All-Star break is Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Miami Dolphins are expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa this offseason, six seasons after making him the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Of course, first-year general manager John-Eric Sullivan and first-year head coach Jeff Hafley may decide that retaining the one-time Pro Bowl quarterback is best for the team’s future.

However, every so often, a new regime wants to get its own quarterback in town. The same could happen with Tagovailoa. However, moving on from a player who is already guaranteed a $54 million salary in 2026 won’t be easy.

Recently, Sports Boom’s NFL insider Jason La Canfora spoke to an unnamed general manager and an unnamed league executive. Neither of them believe the Dolphins are in a good position to move on from Tagovailoa. One GM even said that dolphins are “f-ed”.

Another unnamed NFL executive said Tagovailoa has a “terrible contract that no one wants to touch.” Tagovailoa is under contract through 2028, and he is entering season two of a four-year, $212 million deal.

The Dolphins are reportedly willing to eat a large portion of Tagovailoa’s salary to help make the trade more attractive. This may be their only way to get something in return as well as get him off their books.

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Chris Bosh believes the Miami Heat still had championship potential after LeBron James left in 2014 and said he was motivated to win a title without his former teammate.

Speaking on the latest episode of the All the Smoke podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, the Hall of Famer reflected on the immediate aftermath of James’ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the direction of the Heat franchise.

“We had a squad man, I felt like not to say we were going to win it all, but we could compete for a championship… I wanted to establish myself in the record books, I wanted to establish myself without LeBron, to be honest with you. Honestly, we wanted to win without him. That’s like saying Shaq won without Kobe, Kobe won without Shaq. I wanted to put myself in that category and on that pedestal. Was.” Bosh continued. “I wanted to help D.Wade get back to that position as well. I felt very good about my team. We were in second or third place. If we get to the Eastern Conference Finals, let’s play some ball. “I’m not worried about it at all.”

Earlier in the podcast, Bosh recounted the moment when James informed him via a last-minute message that he would be leaving Miami. He previously admitted that he was “displeased” with how the decision unfolded, adding that it took him several months to fully process the departure and adjust to life without the four-time MVP.

Despite the disappointment, Bosh said he believed the Heat were ready to compete in the Eastern Conference. Miami finished 37–45 in the 2014–15 season due to injuries to both Bosh and Dwyane Wade. However, the following year, the team bounced back with a 48–34 record during the 2015–16 campaign.

Chris Bosh believes the Heat could have competed for a championship before being sidelined due to blood clots and says he wanted to prove he could win a ring even without LeBron.

“We had a squad man, I felt like I can’t say we were going to win it all, but we could compete… pic.twitter.com/mmBtylmPPb

– Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) 13 February 2026

Heat’s 48-win resurgence boosts Chris Bosh’s confidence in title hopes after LeBron James

The Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals that season and pushed the Toronto Raptors to seven games, but fell just short in a Conference Finals matchup against James and the Cavaliers. Bosh was sidelined for the postseason due to recurring blood clotting issues, a condition that ultimately ended his playing career.

At the time of his absence, Miami was one of the top teams in the East standings, strengthening Bosh’s belief that the group could compete at a high level without James.

Bosh said, “We were very confident, but it wasn’t meant to be, but eventually I realized what more do you want? Don’t be greedy, you did everything brother.” “Me and my man Maverick Carter were talking, just talking and I said, this doesn’t happen the way it’s supposed to happen. He said, ‘It never happens the way it’s supposed to happen.’ And when he said that, I was surprised, you’re right. And it kind of put me in a position where I had to figure something else out because God forbid if something happened while I was on the court, which has happened several times, I feel like I’ve done a lot because people die at very little cost. I was like, ‘I should be here’ because usually the people who have the thing that I have, aren’t here anymore. I just took it to heart and moved on and got it out of my system and moved on.

Bosh’s career was short, championship confidence never wavered

Bosh averaged 21.1 points and seven rebounds during the 2014–15 season and 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in 2015–16 before his career was cut short. He was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

While Miami never returned to the Finals during Bosh’s tenure following James’ departure, the franchise later reached the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023 under a new core led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

Looking back, Bosh said the Heat had the talent and confidence to compete for another championship – even without James – if circumstances had turned out differently.

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross released his first statement after making the decision on hiring the franchise’s newest general manager.

Ross made the tough choice to move on from longtime member Chris Grier, who dedicated a lot of time to the Dolphins since 2000. He was the general manager from 2016 to 2025, moving on midway through this past season after Miami was unable to build winning consistency as a franchise in the modern NFL era.

Ross moved forward with the crucial decision of finding the next GM. He hired Jon-Eric Sullivan over from the Green Bay Packers, releasing a statement to NFL insider Tom Pelissero on why he made the decision to hire Sullivan.

“I could not be more excited to welcome Jon-Eric Sullivan as our next general manager. Jon-Eric brings a clear vision for how to build and run a football team, founded upon his own experience at a winning organization. As we went through our search process, it became undeniable the respect Jon-Eric has across the league as a talent evaluator, leader and man of integrity,” Ross said.

“We had an extremely talented group of candidates, and Jon-Eric’s ability to stand out so clearly speaks to how impressive he is — not only for his experience, but also his depth of knowledge, his detail-oriented approach and his passion. I believe we found the best of the best in Jon-Eric, and I’m looking forward to working with him as he leads us into a new era of Dolphins football.”

What’s next for Dolphins after GM hire

It’s clear that Stephen Ross wants to embrace a different direction for the Dolphins, hoping that Jon-Eric Sullivan will right the ship.

Miami also moved on from head coach Mike McDaniel after four seasons, meaning that Ross and Sullivan will heavily communicate on who should be the next leader for the squad.

The Dolphins haven’t had the identity of being serious contenders since the Dan Marino era. Making the playoffs six times since the legendary quarterback retired in 2000, they haven’t been able to make their mark in past seasons. With Ross making the actions to carve a new path, there could be hope that Miami returns to the discussion as a threat for the league to prepare for.