Heat’s ideal draft targets for No. 13 pick in 2026 NBA Draft to get them out of mud

With the Miami Heat surrounded by rumors heading into the offseason, especially when connected to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team is also preparing for the 2026 NBA Draft. As fans wonder who the Heat will land in the 2026 NBA Draft and if it’ll be another gem, let’s take a look at some targets for the team.

While the fanbase was hoping for a miracle, it was announced early during the NBA Draft Lottery show that Miami would, in fact, pick 13th overall in the draft, which they had a 92.9 percent chance of hitting. Before naming the prospects for the team, it’s important to note that this selection could very easily be in a potential blockbuster trade for Antetokounmpo.

As it was further confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania that Milwaukee is “open for business” when it comes to Antetokounmpo, the Heat will once again be a team in heavy pursuit and will be one in the forefront of talks. With Miami looking to improve after finishing with a 43-39 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019, an impact player is needed.

If Miami does keep the pick, though, here are three players that could interest the team:

F Yaxel Lendeborg – Michigan

A major key to the Michigan Wolverines’ national championship run, Yaxel Lendeborg is a player that many teams in the mid-range will look to add, with Miami having already been linked to the player. He has been labeled as a target for the Heat, where they have “scouted him extensively” and have “paid attention” to the forward, via Greg Sylvander.

Coming off injuries, but still finishing with the Wolverines in their title run, he averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from deep. Miami could use an athletic forward that brings size at six-foot, nine-inches, is very athletic, and brings a championship pedigree, performing at the highest stages.

G Labaron Philon Jr. – Alabama

The Heat could always use a play-making guard, and despite the team having Davion Mitchell and having just picked Kasparas Jakucionis in last year’s selection, boasting some promise in his first year, this Alabama guard could be too hard to pass up on. Labaron Philon Jr. is coming off a great year for the Crimson Tide, averaging 22 points, five assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from deep.

Philon has displayed being an impressive shot-creator and a worthwhile scorer who could immediately show flashes in his first year. Coming in at six-foot, four-inches, he also brings size at guard, along with Jakucionis at six-foot-five-inches. ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel echoed the same sentiments on his skill, picking him in his latest mock draft to the Heat.

“Given the uncertainties that surround Tyler Herro’s future and the idea of the Heat adding a superstar this offseason to pair with Bam Adebayo, this team needs a sure thing in their backcourt. Philon can contribute from Day 1, and his 6’4″ frame fits in well with a Heat team whose identity is built on defense,” Siegel wrote.

F Koa Peat – Arizona

Another athletic forward that the Heat could go after with the 13th pick if the team stays is Arizona Wildcats star Koa Peat, coming off a freshman year.

The six-foot-eight-inch forward has been highlighted for his play-making ability, and as USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky mentions, he has experience in playing efficiently in a fast-paced offense in Arizona. Looking at Miami last season, the team made a major change to its offensive identity, leading the league last season in pace with 104.22 possessions per 48 minutes.

“Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. Arizona played at a significantly faster pace (3.9 extra possessions) when Peat was on the floor relative to when he was not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with Miami’s fastest-paced offense in the NBA. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro,” Kalbrosky wrote.

At any rate, it remains to be seen what the Heat end up doing with the No. 13 pick; whether the team picks one of the three options listed, another prospect they end up falling in love with, or moves it for Antetokounmpo.

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