Heat predicted to go all-in on $305M future Hall of Famer, 6-time All-Star if LeBron James moves on

May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat are looking to build a legitimate championship contender and took a major step in that direction by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade. However, Miami is still pursuing LeBron James in hopes of adding another superstar to its roster.

James has been weighing his options for nearly a month in what has become a lengthy free agency process. The four-time NBA champion is believed to have narrowed his choices to three teams.

“ESPN's Shams says just now that he spoke to Rich Paul this morning and there's no decision by LeBron and no timetable on a decision. Shams said his understanding is focus remains on Heat, Cleveland, Philadelphia,” Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson wrote.

Each team pursuing James has had to take a different approach, as he has not wanted to be rushed throughout the process. Heat president Pat Riley recently discussed what it has been like trying to recruit James this summer.

“To be transparent about it, we've had discussions over a week ago, maybe a week before that about it. But right now, I think we're like everybody else. Just waiting to see what he does,” Riley told the media.

Miami is pushing all of its chips to the center of the table in hopes of landing James, who would give the franchise a star-studded Big Three alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Heat are unable to sign James, they are expected to shift their focus quickly to DeMar DeRozan.

“If LeBron doesn’t sign, I would expect Demar to be heavily courted within the next 48 hours after that,” Sports Illustrated’s Ethan Skolnick wrote.

Having DeRozan as a backup plan is far from a bad outcome, especially considering the experience and scoring ability he would bring. He would provide an immediate boost offensively, though his defense remains the biggest question mark.

DeRozan has earned $305 million over the course of his NBA career. At this stage, it seems likely he will join a team with championship aspirations. If James ultimately signs elsewhere, the Heat could quickly emerge as one of the favorites to land the six-time All-Star.

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