Heats Whale Hunting Persists But a Different Splash May Be Coming
MIAMI, December 25, 2025 – In the storied front office of the Miami Heat, the philosophy has always been simple: hunt the “whale.” It is the Pat Riley way. The dream scenario circulating through the corridors of the Kaseya Center involves Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo finally donning the Heat Vice City colors. But as the trade deadline looms, the distance between that dream and reality remains vast, forcing the Heat to look beyond the blockbuster and toward the necessary.
While the organization hasn’t entirely holstered its ambition for Antetokounmpo, the “bleak” probability of striking such a deal has triggered a pragmatic shift in strategy. The Heat are not sitting idle; they are actively scanning the market for perimeter reinforcements who can inject immediate offense into a roster that often finds itself grinding for points.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Heat’s war room has identified two primary contingency targets: Chicago Bulls guard Coby White and Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons. Both players represent a pivot from “franchise-altering superstar” to “season-saving scorer.” Simons, currently with Boston, offers the kind of explosive shot-creation the Heat have coveted for years, while White’s evolution in Chicago suggests he could thrive in Miami’s conditioning and development system. These aren’t just consolation prizes; they are targeted upgrades designed to fix the team’s half-court stagnation.
The interest in Simons and White highlights a critical self-assessment by the Heat brass: the current roster, while gritty, lacks a secondary engine. The “Heat Culture” can win defensive battles, but in an Eastern Conference loaded with firepower, they need players who can create their own shot when the offense breaks down.
Simons, specifically, is an intriguing fit. His ability to stretch the floor and navigate pick-and-rolls would pair seamlessly with Bam Adebayo’s screening, potentially unlocking a new dimension to Miami’s attack. However, the complexity of trading with a conference rival like Boston—who acquired Simons in the summer of 2025—adds a layer of difficulty. The Heat must decide if they are willing to pay the asset price for a “very good” player now, or hoard their chips for a superstar who may never become available.
“The Heat are looking at Chicago Bulls’ Coby White and the Boston Celtics’ Anfernee Simons as a backup plan if the Antetokounmpo trade does not become available.” – Brett Siegel, NBA Insider
Context: Siegel’s report underscores the duality of Miami’s deadline approach. It confirms that while the Giannis dream is alive in theory, the front office is operationally focused on attainable upgrades. The mention of Simons is particularly significant, signaling that Miami is monitoring the Celtics’ roster crunch closely.
The Miami Heat are famously patient, but they are rarely passive. While the headlines will remain dominated by the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, fans should expect the real movement to happen in the margins. Whether it’s prying Coby White from Chicago or engaging in a rare deal with Boston for Simons, Miami seems destined to make a move. The “whale” might not be coming, but a shark could be just what this rotation needs.
