In a pivotal year for the Miami Heat, the 2025 NBA Draft could be the franchise’s defining moment as they seek to reload for another deep playoff run. Holding the 20th overall pick, the Heat are scouring the class for elite wing talent—players with size, versatility, and the two-way upside that fits Miami’s culture of intensity, defense, and unrelenting toughness.
The Heat’s recent playoff exits have made one thing crystal clear: they need wings who can shoot, defend multiple positions, and contribute immediately. With Jimmy Butler aging and their core in flux, finding the right player in this draft could shape the next era of Miami basketball. Here are the top wing prospects being closely linked to the Heat heading into draft night.
First up is Baylor’s Jaylen Wells, a sharpshooting junior who exploded onto draft boards this season. Known for his catch-and-shoot prowess and underrated lateral quickness, Wells fits perfectly in Miami’s motion offense and can serve as a knockdown threat alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. He averaged 18.6 points per game while hitting over 42% from three—numbers that make scouts believe he could be one of the draft’s best value picks late in the first round.
Another name that keeps coming up in league circles is Colorado’s Tristan De Silva. A 6-foot-9 hybrid forward with exceptional basketball IQ, De Silva is a polished decision-maker who can initiate offense, stretch the floor, and hold his own defensively. His versatility would give Coach Erik Spoelstra a chess piece who could fit in a variety of lineups and cover multiple assignments on defense, a crucial skill set in today’s switch-heavy NBA.
Then there’s overseas standout Nikola Djurisic, the Serbian wing who’s drawing comparisons to Bojan Bogdanovic for his scoring instincts and offensive creativity. Djurisic dazzled scouts during the international circuit with his shot-making, footwork, and transition play. His offensive package is NBA-ready, and if Miami is willing to wait on his defensive development, he could become a serious rotational piece by mid-season.
Miami has also held private workouts with Pepperdine’s Houston Mallette, a 6-foot-5 wing who posted strong shooting numbers and showed real growth as a perimeter defender. He may not be a high-ceiling star, but as a three-and-D plug-and-play prospect, Mallette could thrive under the Heat’s development system and culture.
Finally, some insiders believe that if Kansas freshman Elmarko Jackson slides on draft night, the Heat could pounce. While more of a combo guard, Jackson’s explosive first step, long wingspan, and defensive potential give him significant wing upside. His ability to attack the paint, collapse defenses, and play with pace may offer a dynamic element that Miami has lacked in recent years.
With the Eastern Conference growing stronger, Miami can’t afford to miss with the No. 20 pick. The 2025 NBA Draft presents a rare opportunity to add a cost-controlled asset that aligns with their championship aspirations. Whether it’s a battle-tested college scorer or a high-upside international swingman, the pressure is on Pat Riley and the front office to deliver a player who can contribute to Miami’s championship push sooner rather than later.
The stakes are high, the options are plenty, and the Heat’s draft room is locked in. The next star in South Beach may be only one phone call away.