MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 14: Mike Conley #10 and Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)

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Rowan Fisher-Shotton

By Rowan Fisher-Shotton

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The Miami Heat pulled off one of the biggest trades in NBA history last week when they traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Along with him came Bobby Portis as the Heat shipped off Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and several picks in exchange.

Now, Miami has a 10-time All-Star, two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and NBA champion to play next to Bam Adebayo, signaling that their championship window is wide open.

But with free agency set to begin on Tuesday, June 30, the Heat are already locked in on acquiring more talent to surround their All-NBA frontcourt. And according to Jake Fischer and Mark Stein, at the top of their list is former All-Star point guard Mike Conley Jr., as well as veteran shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr.

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Both are expected to be "priority targets" for the Heat in free agency.

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The Heat may have Giannis and Adebayo, but many analysts around the NBA still believe there's work to be done for them to become a legitimate title contender. And one of the biggest question marks is spacing and playmaking around their two elite frontcourt talents.

Conley fits in perfectly in that sense.

He spent 12 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and became the franchise's all-time leader in points (11,733), assists (4,509), steals (1,161), and 3-pointers (1,086) before spending three and a half seasons with the Utah Jazz and three and a half with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now 38, he's nowhere near the explosive guard he was in his prime, but he's a veteran leader and proven winner who's elevated every team he's played for.

Conley's earned All-Star honors in 2021 and All-Defensive honors in 2013, and is a career 38.7% shooter from long range.

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 14: Mike Conley #10 and Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)

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Conley enters this offseason as an unrestricted free agent, meaning Miami can pursue him without restrictions.

He might not be the flashiest signing of the summer, but he could be the most important one for Miami.

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