The Miami Heat have been widely criticized for their apparent plan to open up flexibility heading into the summer of 2026. Especially in the era of shrinking free agency in the NBA, it doesn’t make a ton of sense on the surface. However, if recent rumors surrounding Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers are any indication, they could be making a genius move.

With the option to hit free agency after the 2025-26 NBA season, Luka is eligible to sign a long-term extension with the Lakers this summer. However, there’s still no guarantee that he’s going to sign the extension with the team.

In the words of ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Lakers are a “little stressed out” about Luka.

Of course, just because the Lakers are “stressed out” about Luka signing an extension, that doesn’t mean he won’t sign it. Or that the Lakers are even afraid that it’s a possibility.

The Lakers are stressed about Luka

After all, how could the Lakers not be slightly stressed about this upcoming decision from Luka? Over the past six months, the Lakers have essentially pulled the franchise out of LeBron James’ grip and have handed it over to Luka.

If the Lakers were to do all that, while possibly fracturing their relationship with LeBron in the process, only to see Luka decline to sign a long-term extension with the team this offseason, it would be a PR nightmare. It would add even more stress to the team’s upcoming season.

Perhaps most importantly, it’d force the Lakers into a pretty difficult decision with Luka.

The Heat could be geniuses

On the other hand, this could be a best-case scenario for the Heat. With the way Miami has structured their contracts this offseason, the Heat is in a position where they could open up the necessary cap space to pursue Luka (if he were to hit the free-agency market).

But even if the Lakers explored trading him (if they believed he would leave in free agency), the Heat should also be in a great position to cobble together strong trade offers next season.

If the Heat’s master plan revolves around pursuing a superstar player like Luka during the 2026 offseason, they have to be extremely happy right now.

This could all be moot if Luka ends up signing an extension with the Lakers next month. However, at least momentarily, there could be a method to the Heat’s offseason madness.

The way the Heat’s front office has operated this summer may not have made a ton of sense, but they clearly have some sort of plan that revolves around a strong pursuit of a star player in 2026. If there’s any credence to these Luka whispers, the Heat could end up looking like real geniuses if he does hit the trade or free-agency market in the next 12 months.