Wed Jul 16 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Heat Unlikely to Trade Young Core for LeBron James, Despite Speculative Trade Proposal**

**Miami, FL -** Recent speculation surrounding a potential trade sending Miami Heat players Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, and rookie Kel’el Ware to the Los Angeles Lakers for LeBron James has been dismissed as “flat-out foolish” by sources close to the team.

The hypothetical trade, which surfaced following analysis of the Heat’s expiring contracts after the 2025-2026 season, envisioned Miami making a bold move to contend for a championship before James’ anticipated retirement. The Lakers, in this scenario, would acquire Powell and Wiggins as immediate contributors, while Ware would be groomed as a future frontcourt partner for Luka Doncic.

However, given the Heat’s previous reluctance to part with a package of young talent and draft assets for a younger Kevin Durant, the likelihood of trading for the 40-year-old James is considered extremely low. The Heat are likely to maintain their young core to build the future.

The Heat front office recognizes the value of expiring contracts in providing flexibility, either to pursue a rebuild around their young core or to maintain a contending roster. Powell and Wiggins’ contracts ending after the 2025-2026 season offer the team multiple avenues for future development.

**About the Author:** Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist for Sports Illustrated.

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