Miami Heat Rumors: Update on the pursuit of Bradley Beal, Dwyane Wade's possible return to the NBA and more

The Miami Heat once again missed out on the post-season in 2018-19; the franchise has now won just one playoff series since LeBron James left for Cleveland back in 2014. But while Miami was positioning itself to be a major player in the 2021 free agency, Pat Riley managed to complete an unlikely sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler.

The four-time All-Star's arrival has signaled a shift to compete now mode, and the Heat remain hopeful of bolstering an underwhelming roster ahead of the season. Due to this, plenty could change ahead of the new campaign.

Here, we take a look at all the latest Heat news and rumors:

The Heat face a battle to sign Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal has been with the Washington Wizards since 2012

Reports surfaced last month suggesting that the Heat were so determined to sign Bradley Beal that they were willing to take on John Wall's enormous contract. However, during a recent interview with CBS Sports, Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard outlined his intent to keep Beal in Washington:

"Every team would love to have him, and we do. So we've never considered anything other than a situation where Brad is with us and leading us forward. We made that clear to him on the first day we could offer him an extension, and we'll continue to make that clear."

While that's not the best news for Miami, Beal has yet to respond to Washington's latest contract extension offer and could still attempt to push through a trade.

Over the past 12 months, big names such as Jimmy Butler and Paul George have managed to secure a move after requesting a trade, so Miami's chances of landing the two-time All-Star cannot yet be ruled out.

Dwyane Wade says a return to the NBA is possible

Dwyane Wade spent almost his entire career with the Miami Heat

After embarking on a farewell tour last season, Dwyane Wade finally retired following an illustrious career in the NBA. Wade was among Miami's best performers during his final season, and many from inside the league have urged him to continue for at least one more year.

Regarding the speculation of a return, Wade told Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times that it was a possibility:

"I’m done, but my trainer is going to keep me in shape just in case something happens. I’m going to stay in shape because you never know. Never say never."

Wade spent almost his entire career with the Heat, before retiring at the end of last season. In his final campaign, Wade averaged 15.0 points, 4.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game.

However, if Wade was to return, it could be with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, as the veteran has stated his intentions to work out with James ahead of games.

Goran Dragic has yet to think about re-signing with the Heat

Goran Dragic joined the Miami Heat back in 2015 after impressing with the Phoenix Suns

The Miami Heat attempted to trade Goran Dragic earlier this summer, but a multi-team deal eventually broke down due to a miscommunication with the Dallas Mavericks. Dragic is now gearing up to begin the season in Miami, although the point guard told Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald that he has yet to think about signing a new contract with the team:

"If I’m honest, I don’t even think about it, because I’m more in the present. And when the time is going to come, then I’m going to think about my future. So, it doesn’t make sense to think it right now, because the season still didn’t start. And I haven’t felt how my body is going to react. So, we’ll see."

After suffering a serious knee injury, Dragic played just 36 times last season, averaging 13.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists. However, the Slovenian was named an All-Star for the first time back in 2018, and a number of teams have been linked with a trade for the 33-year-old.

Edited by Musab Abid