The Miami Heat may have already transformed their roster this offseason, but the door to another significant addition could remain open.

After acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and veteran star Klay Thompson, Miami has given itself a dramatically different look heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. Yet despite those blockbuster additions, the Heat are apparently refusing to completely shut down their roster-building plans.

According to Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson, Miami could deliberately leave its final roster position vacant rather than rushing to fill it.

The reason is simple: the Heat want flexibility in case a major opportunity suddenly becomes available.

Jackson reported that Miami intends to keep the 15th roster spot open “for a while,” leaving the franchise in position to react if a high-impact player becomes available in free agency.

That immediately raises an intriguing question: who could become that player?

One name that could become increasingly relevant as the season develops is Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine.

The two-time All-Star remains under contract with Sacramento, meaning there is no immediate expectation that he will simply become a free agent. However, circumstances surrounding the Kings could potentially create an opening later in the season.

Jackson has suggested that Miami could once again be a team to monitor around the trade deadline, particularly if another established veteran becomes available.

And LaVine’s situation is one that could become particularly interesting if Sacramento falls out of contention.

Why LaVine keeps appearing in Miami discussions

Miami’s offseason has already demonstrated that the franchise is willing to remain patient when it sees a potential opportunity.

The Heat waited while Klay Thompson’s situation in Dallas developed, despite reports that the Mavericks were unwilling to buy out the remaining money on his contract. Miami ultimately benefited when Thompson became available.

LaVine could present a different situation, but the principle would be similar: Miami would have to remain prepared and wait for the right circumstances.

The 31-year-old guard is still owed significant money, with his contract carrying a substantial remaining salary. That makes a potential buyout complicated.

For LaVine to become available in that fashion, Sacramento would need to agree to part ways with him, or LaVine would have to decide that giving up a considerable amount of money was worth pursuing an opportunity with a contender.

At present, there is no indication that the Kings are actively pursuing such a scenario.

That distinction is important.

A potential Miami-LaVine connection remains dependent on several things happening first, rather than being an imminent transfer or signing.

Miami has already positioned itself for another opportunity

The interesting part for Heat supporters is that Miami appears to be giving itself room to react.

The franchise does not necessarily need another star right now. Giannis has already arrived, while Thompson provides another major veteran presence alongside him.

But keeping a roster spot available means Miami does not have to make a decision simply for the sake of filling the roster.

If a significant player becomes available, the Heat could potentially explore the opportunity.

Jackson has also mentioned three former All-Star guards — Kyrie Irving, LaVine and Jrue Holiday — as players who could theoretically improve Miami’s championship prospects under the right circumstances.

Each situation is different.

Irving would be difficult for Miami to pursue because of the Heat’s limited tradeable first-round-pick resources. Holiday could become more realistic depending on Portland’s season. LaVine, meanwhile, could become an intriguing possibility if Sacramento’s direction changes.

The buyout scenario remains a major hurdle

Any potential LaVine-to-Miami scenario would still face one enormous obstacle: his contract.

LaVine’s remaining salary would make a buyout decision extremely expensive. Walking away from that money would also have consequences for his future contractual rights.

For that reason, there is currently no guarantee that such a scenario will develop.

Sacramento has also reportedly shown no current interest in buying out LaVine.

However, the NBA can change quickly.

A team’s position in September can look completely different by February. Injuries, standings, trade opportunities and changing ambitions can all reshape the market.

That is precisely why Miami’s decision to preserve flexibility could become significant.

The Heat have already made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by bringing Giannis to South Beach. They have added Thompson as well.

Now, rather than forcing another move, Miami appears willing to wait.

And if LaVine eventually reaches a point where his future in Sacramento becomes uncertain, the Heat could find themselves watching very closely.

For now, there is no completed deal and no indication that LaVine is on his way to Miami.

But with the Heat keeping their final roster spot open and the Kings guard’s situation potentially worth monitoring, another major storyline could be waiting around the corner.