Apr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley looks on after the game against the Boston Celtics at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Miami Heat have a number of major names to pursue in the offseason, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.
Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, former NBA All-Stars, were previously the Miami Heat’s fiercest opponents.
After retiring, they both pursued careers in the media. They present a podcast called KG Certified, in which they discuss the NBA and other topics.
On a current show, they addressed the Heat’s offseason goals. Many people have urged the Heat to rebuild their squad in order to avoid the stagnation that the team has been experiencing for the past few years. Miami has competed in the play-in tournament for the past four years. Despite reaching the Finals once, both Pierce and Garnett believe it is time to split the group.
Pierce advised the Heat to pursue Philadelphia 76ers great Joel Embiid during free agency.
It’s time to pick up the phone and try to get Embiid, according to Pierce on the podcast. You have to go for it. Give up, Kel’el Ware.
Garnett responded, I’m not sure if I’m giving it up, but he believes the Heat deserves a chance.
The Heat have many trade assets, including Tyler Herro, Norman Powell Jr. , Jaime Jaquez, and Nikola Jovic. Garnett believes that a move to Miami might revive Embiid’s career. Following his league MVP award in 2023, he has struggled with injuries the past few years.
The Heat have been known for getting the most out of players who have suffered.
He needs some Pat Riley, Garnett remarked. That might help him. That Miami (bleep) be reviving players. Jamal Mashburn went down there, as did (Ike Austin). They just know how to keep everyone professional. They know how to keep people steady. They might not win, but Miami has a terrific team. That’s a real machine down there.
While many believe the Heat should aim for Giannis Antetokounmpo this season, an Embiid signing might be beneficial. When combined with Bam Adebayo, he may present matchup challenges for the majority of the league.
Perhaps then the Heat might escape their current situation of mediocre play. Then they might reclaim their place as one of the top clubs in the Eastern Conference, something they did in the early 2010s.
