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The proposed trade would send Karl-Anthony Towns to the Miami Heat

Coming into the offseason, the Miami Heat were expected to make a strong attempt at landing a superstar. Kevin Durant was seen as the most viable target.

Durant ultimately ended up with the Houston Rockets. Miami pivoted by acquiring Norman Powell in a three-team trade. However, Pat Riley is always on the lookout for ways to improve the Heat’s roster. After all, under Riley’s leadership, rebuilds aren’t a thing.

With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey recently proposed a blockbuster 5-team deal that would land Karl-Anthony Towns with Erik Spoelstra’s roster. The proposed deal would look like this:

New York Knicks Get: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks Get: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Harrison Barnes, a 2026 first-round pick from New York (via Washington), a 2030 first-round pick from Miami, a 2030 first-round pick swap from New York, a 2032 first-round pick swap from New York, a 2032 first-round pick from Miami, a top-50 protected 2031 second-round pick from Utah and three second-round picks from New York

Miami Heat Get: Karl-Anthony Towns

San Antonio Spurs Get: Lauri Markkanen

Utah Jazz Get:  Keldon Johnson, Bobby Portis, Jeremy Sochan, Tyler Kolek, a 2029 first-round pick from San Antonio and a 2031 first-round pick from San Antonio

“There may be a bit of unease over giving up two unprotected first-round picks, but this is almost as much of a no-brainer for Miami as it is New York,” Bailey wrote. “KAT is coming off an All-NBA campaign in which he averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists, while shooting 42.0 percent from deep…Playing next to a floor-spacing forward/center as good as Towns would go a long way toward maximizing Adebayo’s playmaking ability.”

Towns would instantly become a pillar of the Heat’s roster. Between him and Tyler Herro, Riley would have scope to construct a contender.

Heat’s Failed Kevin Durant Offer Revealed

Recently, Heat insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald revealed Miami’s failed trade package for Durant. Jackson noted how Riley’s refusal to include Nikola Jovic in a trade package is what killed the deal.

“Per source with direct knowledge, Heat was willing to offer Wiggins, Rozier, Highsmith, Jaquez and 20th pick in June’s draft for Durant & Cody Martin,” Jackson reported via X. “Per Shams, Suns wanted Jaquez, Jović, Highsmith, 20th pick and a pick swap (as well as Wiggins/Rozier inclusion). SO…Jovic and Kasparas J. need to work out for justify the decision, which was a difficult one for Heat to reach.”

Now, Durant will be an anchor for the Houston Rockets’ push for a championship. Nevertheless, Miami has kept all of its young talent for a future push to land a superstar.

Heat Could Let Powell Leave Next Summer

In another interesting twist, Powell, who joined the Heat this summer, could walk in free agency in 12 months’ time.

According to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin, Powell’s age could lead the Heat to letting him test the free agency market.

“He was traded to Miami for the final year of his contract, making $20.5 million,” Helin wrote. “He is coming off a season where he made a leap (in year 10!) and averaged 21.8 points a game while shooting 41.8% from beyond the arc.”

Helin continued.

“At age 32, the Clippers were hesitant to give Powell the longer extension that he wanted, which helped lead to the trade, but is Miami going to feel any differently (Miami is also trying to keep its books clean to make a big swing at a superstar down the line)? While the Heat and Powell may work out an extension, his hitting free agency seems a very real possibility.”

If the Heat project to have legitimate cap space next summer, letting Powell walk could be a smart move. However, if he impressed this season, it may be more logical for the Heat to keep him around. Time will tell how that situation will ultimately play out.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor