Miami Heat: 3 things to expect ahead of the 2019-20 NBA season

The Miami Heat failed to qualify for the postseason in two of the past three seasons and the organization lost Dwyane Wade to retirement back in April. Wade's departure was expected to mark the beginning of a much-needed rebuild, although the Heat managed to complete an unlikely sign-and-trade to acquire four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler.

With Butler now on board, Miami enters the new season with renewed confidence of competing in a weak Eastern Conference, and Pat Riley has outlined his intent to land a second star to field alongside Butler.

Due to this, plenty is going on within the organization, and here we will take a look at three things that could happen ahead of the 2019-20 season.

#1 Tyler Herro will compete for a starting spot

The Heat selected Tyler Herro with the 13th pick overall in this summer's NBA Draft, and the teenager is viewed as an exciting talent within the franchise. Despite his immense potential, it was initially believed that Herro would feature prominently from the bench, although the young shooting guard has earned calls for a starting spot following an excellent summer.

In his NBA preseason debut, Herro managed 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, along with a steal and a block. His all-round performance earned plenty of plaudits, and he once again featured heavily as the Heat beat the Hornets two days later.

After years of fielding one of the oldest teams in the NBA, the Heat need to embrace youth, and Herro could be fast-tracked into the first team. Ultimately, if he continues his preseason form over the next week, it wouldn't be a shock if the Wisconson native begins the season as a starter.

#2 Goran Dragic is traded

The Heat attempted to trade Goran Dragic over the summer and the Slovenian's days with the franchise could be limited

Back in January 2018, Goran Dragic was announced as an All-Star for the first time in his career following an excellent season. Nevertheless, Dragic's form over the past 12 months has been greatly affected by injuries, and the Heat desperately attempted to offload him during the summer.

While a proposed three-way trade fell apart at the last minute, offloading Dragic's $17 million salary is still a priority for the franchise.

With the impressive Justise Winslow set to start at point guard, Dragic's contract offers no real value to the Heat, and Riley will be active in discussions to trade the 33-year-old ahead of the season. While a trade path appears difficult, Miami could send Dragic's expiring deal and a draft pick to a rebuilding team to land a valuable squad player.

#3 A true second star fails to arrive

Bradley Beal is rumored to be among the Heat's top targets

Ever since landing Jimmy Butler in an unlikely sign-and-trade, the Miami Heat have had eyes on landing a second star to play alongside the four-time All-Star. Bradley Beal is believed to be Pat Riley's number one target, although the Washington Wizards have shown little appetite to trade their star asset, while Beal himself has yet to demand a move.

Meanwhile, names such as Kevin Love have also been linked with the Heat, although the Cleveland Cavaliers will get more desperate as the season progresses - and the Heat may cool off making a move for the 31-year-old until the trade deadline.

Rest assured, Butler will continue to put pressure on the Heat front office to land a second star, although it appears that the former Chicago man may have to wait until the season is well underway.