The Miami Heat reportedly have some added, draft-related incentive to reach the playoffs this season.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Heat's 2025 first-round pick is lottery-protected, meaning they will keep it if they fail to reach the playoffs. However, if Miami makes the postseason, the pick will convey to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Heat reportedly prefer for the Thunder to get their 2025 non-lottery first-rounder since the pick becomes fully unprotected in 2026 if it is not conveyed this year.
That means even if the Heat were to miss the playoffs and win the lottery for the No.