Miami's payroll sits at $208.3 million, above the $200.4 million luxury tax line, anchored by Giannis Antetokounmpo's $58.5 million and Bam Adebayo's $49.8 million. Last season that group finished 43-39 and 13th in the league in net rating, and the front office made no roster moves to change that picture.
The Bill
Miami's payroll for 2026-27 sits at $208.3 million, above the $200.4 million luxury tax line. Giannis Antetokounmpo carries $58.5 million of that, Bam Adebayo $49.8 million, Andrew Wiggins a $30.2 million player option, Nikola Jović $16.2 million and Bobby Portis Jr. $14.5 million. That is the cost of keeping this specific group of players on one roster.
The Return
Last season that core went 43-39, finishing 13th of 30 teams in net rating, 12th on offense and 13th on defense at a pace of 104.2. Adebayo averaged 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds over 73 games; Antetokounmpo, in 36 games, averaged 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds. Respectable production, a middle-of-the-pack team.
Picks Committed
Spending at this level has a cost beyond the tax bill. Miami's 2027 first is protected to Charlotte, its 2028 first is conditional to Charlotte and its 2028 second is conditional to Detroit. The Heat keep their 2029 first outright, but swap rights on the 2029 second, the 2030 first and the 2030 second are already on the table. Future flexibility is already spoken for.
No New Help
No trades, signings or other roster moves were made this offseason before training camp opened. The same group that finished 13th in net rating a season ago is the group Erik Spoelstra will coach through preseason, starting October 3 at Toronto, into an October 21 opener against Minnesota on ESPN.
The Verdict
Paying above the tax line to keep Antetokounmpo, Adebayo and this roster together is a legitimate bet on a proven core. But standing pat with no additions on a team that finished outside the league's top ten in net rating is not the same as building a contender. Miami owes this spending an actual jump in the standings, not just a bigger bill.
Why are the Heat over the luxury tax this season?
Miami's payroll is $208.3 million, above the $200.4 million tax line, mostly because of Giannis Antetokounmpo's $58.5 million and Bam Adebayo's $49.8 million salaries.
Did the Heat make any moves to improve the roster this offseason?
No trades or signings were made before training camp opened; the roster is the same group that finished 43-39 and 13th in net rating last season.
