Pat Riley Says 'There's No Doubt' Heat 'Have to Make Changes' in 2025 NBA Free Agency

The Miami Heat expect to make some changes ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Heat president Pat Riley spoke with reporters at his end-of-season press conference on Friday and was asked about the state of the team. In response, he said "there's no doubt" changes will be made over the summer.

He also said that the team is not afraid to make some "lateral trades" or pursue an "alpha" should one become available.

"There are some lateral trades that can be made to improve the team," Riley said, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. "Do we inject an alpha? A great, great player to help maximize our performance in those double digit leads that were lost? It could be that simple."

The Heat went 37-45 in 2024-25 and finished 10th in the Eastern Conference. The team won both games of the play-in tournament but was swept in the opening round of the NBA playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While it's unclear what moves could be on the horizon, the Heat have been linked as a potential landing spot for Kevin Durant and a potential fit for Giannis Antetokounmpo should he seek a split from the Milwaukee Bucks.