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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after making a basket against the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on October 22, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
There is officially very little left to criticize about the Miami Heat roster, which added another potentially impactful player Thursday afternoon.
The Heat welcomed veteran big man Nick Richards to strengthen the team’s frontcourt depth behind star center Bam Adebayo. The Richards signing comes just days after the Heat signed veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson to a two year contract worth a little north of $11 million.
But there is one more area the Heat has to address sooner than later, if not now then before next season’s trade deadline. Miami needs to add a quality playmaker to help generate scoring opportunities for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
Hypothetical Trade: Miami Heat Lands Star Playmaker from Memphis
It is September, which means that there are very few remaining options on the free agent market. Instead, the Heat should turn to the trade market to explore a potential upgrade as the team’s backcourt table-setter.
One player who hasn’t been mentioned much this offseason is veteran guard Ty Jerome, the 29-year-old Memphis Grizzlies guard who could be poised to find a new home as the Grizzlies look to accelerate their rebuild around their top 2026 draft choice, Cameron Boozer.
Jerome signed a multi-year contract with the Grizzlies last offseason after spending the previous two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Could the Heat hammer out a trade for Jerome? Here is a proposed framework that could land the sharpshooting guard in Miami
Heat receives: Ty Jerome
Grizzlies receive: Nikola Jokic and a 2027 second round pick
Would Memphis Do the Trade?
The Grizzlies are constructing their roster to contend in the future; Jerome doesn’t seem to fit that timeline on paper given his age and years in the NBA.
But Memphis did commit to Jerome just last offseason by bringing him in as a free agent. Would Jovic and a second round pick in next year’s draft convince the Grizzlies to pull the trigger? After all, Jovic is only 23 — he would slot cleanly into Memphis’ rebuild — and full of potential, as he has displayed this offseason playing in this year’s FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Memphis might hesitate because of Jovic’s rather hefty contract; Jovic is owed north of $60 million over the next four seasons. That is not a steep price to pay for a young, rising star. But Jovic has yet to fully demonstrate he is just that.
If the Grizzlies are willing to do business, the Heat would get its hands on a high-level playmaker. Jerome, who was limited to just 15 games last season with a calf injury, averaged nearly 20 points and six assists while shooting 42 percent from the 3-point line. Those are big numbers, but the small sample is an obvious caveat.
In the previous season, Jerome was one of the best sixth men in the league, averaging better than 12 points per game while shooting close to 44 percent from beyond the arc. He played in 70 games, too.
If the Heat landed Jerome, he would probably play starter’s minutes given he has the scoring ability and playmaking the Heat need out of the backcourt.
Adel Ahmad Adel is a writer with over five years of experience covering the NBA. His work has appeared on various media platforms, both national and local. More about Adel Ahmad
