Heat Urged to Pursue LeBron James Reunion, Deal NBA Champion Wing to Lakers

Heat Urged to Pursue LeBron James Reunion, Deal NBA Champion Wing to Lakers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Miami Heat remain hungry for a true chance at competing for an NBA title in a depleted Eastern Conference heading into 2025-26.

Following the acquisition of star scoring guard Norman Powell via 3-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz, the Heat and team president Pat Riley announced their intentions of claiming a top seed in the East.

While the franchise has taken steps towards title contention this offseason, they can take a gargantuan leap forward by competing a league-altering blockbuster deal to have another go at things with Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.

Ever since the legendary forward accepted his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers on June 29, countless rumors have spread regarding a possible trade request. As a result, Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman suggested that the Heat take a stab at reuniting with James for the right price this offseason.

"In the East, LeBron alongside Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro would have a pathway to a potential deeper playoff run," Winderman wrote Monday morning.

"That said, if the cost were to be Andrew Wiggins, a Heat prospect (Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr.) and lesser draft capital, then it should be considered for a 40-year-old player still at All-NBA level."

Though Winderman appears ready to let go of certain assets in a hypothetical deal for James, draft capital is where a line could be drawn.

"Now, if the cost is unprotected first-round draft capital, then there could be reason to pause. But, yes, the Heat should consider and I think LeBron would consider."

Ex-Golden State Warriors All-Star and NBA champion Andrew Wiggins has been thrown around in plenty of Lakers trade rumors regarding their versatile forward Rui Hachimura, but James' possible departure would certainly require Wiggins and others to exit.

Even at 40 years old, James remains one of the NBA's 10-12 best players and a franchise-altering talent.

The 21-time All-Star and 4-time NBA Finals MVP contributed 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Lakers in 70 appearances this past season, and the future Hall of Fame inductee may be intrigued by a potential return to the Heat.

During his 4-year tenure with the franchise from 2010-2014, James captured his first two NBA titles and Finals MVP awards and led the team to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.