Locked On Heat - Daily Podcast On The Miami Heat

The Lakers’ latest ownership drama raises a bigger question for the Miami Heat: What happens when one of the NBA’s most stable organizations eventually changes hands?

Wes Goldberg and David Ramil look at Micky Arison’s three decades of Heat ownership and debate the pros and cons of a potential ownership change. Would new ownership bring deeper pockets and a more aggressive approach? Or is the stability and continuity of the Arison era one of Miami’s biggest competitive advantages?

Then, they look beyond ownership to the future of the entire Heat organization. Did trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo give Pat Riley the final major move of his legendary career? And whenever Riley does step away, what could a succession plan involving Nick Arison, Andy Elisburg, Adam Simon and Erik Spoelstra look like?

Indeed

Cozy Earth
Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDONfor an exclusive 20%.

Wayfair

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Miami Heat still have roster spots to fill, but their free-agent options are disappearing quickly. Should DeMar DeRozan become Miami’s priority?

Wes Goldberg and David Ramil break down whether DeRozan makes sense alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, whether he’s worth using the Heat’s remaining midlevel exception on, and how Miami should balance adding proven talent with concerns about shooting and fit.

Then, with Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal off the board and Haywood Highsmith returning to Phoenix, who’s actually left? Wes and David go through options including Gabe Vincent, Nic Batum and Nick Richards.

Finally, Max Strus could reportedly be available as Cleveland looks to shed salary. Would a reunion make sense — and is there actually a trade Miami and Cleveland could agree to?

Indeed

Cozy Earth
Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDONfor an exclusive 20%.

Wayfair

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Could Klay Thompson be sending a message to the Miami Heat? Wes Goldberg and David Ramil break down Klay’s latest comments about wanting a role on a championship contender and why Miami could check the boxes he’s looking for.

Then, Bradley Beal is officially off the board after re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. What does his decision tell us about Miami’s pursuit — and were the Heat ever really waiting on Beal?

Finally, former Heat forward Haywood Highsmith is available after being waived by Phoenix, and Wes reports that Highsmith would be open to a Miami reunion. Should the Heat bring him back, and what could he add to a Giannis Antetokounmpo-led roster?

Indeed

Cozy Earth
Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDONfor an exclusive 20%.

Wayfair

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Miami Heat’s 2026-27 schedule is officially here, and Wes Goldberg and David Ramil are handing out their schedule superlatives.

The Heat are back in the national spotlight with 25 national TV games — 20 more than last season and 10th-most in the NBA. What does that tell us about expectations for the Giannis Antetokounmpo era in Miami?

Then Wes and David circle the biggest games on the calendar, including Giannis’ first matchups against his former team in Milwaukee, identify Miami’s toughest and easiest stretches, and pinpoint the first major test of the season. Finally, they draft the Heat games they absolutely cannot miss and predict Miami’s longest winning streak.

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Miami Heat surge into the NBA spotlight with a primetime national TV schedule and a daunting NBA Cup "group of death." Can Giannis elevate his brand—and the Heat’s championship odds—on South Beach's biggest stage?

Wes Goldberg and David Ramil unpack Miami’s rise in national prominence, driven by marquee matchups and high-profile moves. From Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro’s roles to Giannis's international star power, they debate which NBA teams matter most in 2026. The heated discussion covers the challenges of the Heat's stacked NBA Cup group—featuring the Pacers, Knicks, Cavaliers, and 76ers—and what Giannis’s decision to skip Greece’s FIBA qualifiers means for his readiness. Hear insider analysis on Miami’s market appeal, international appeal, and where Erik Spoelstra’s squad stands amid fierce Eastern Conference competition.

Will the Heat capitalize on their national spotlight and navigate the league’s toughest group? Locked On Heat breaks down the storylines driving Miami's must-watch season.

00:00 – NBA Prioritizes Miami Heat

10:53 – NBA Cup "Group of Death" Breakdown

17:16 – Giannis Sits Out FIBA, Heat Implications

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Miami Heat are back in the NBA's national spotlight—and the schedule proves it. Wes Goldberg and David Ramil react to Miami landing a Christmas Day showdown against the Boston Celtics and an ESPN game against the Minnesota Timberwolves to open the season. What do these marquee games say about the expectations surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and the new-look Heat?

Then, Norman Powell is opening up about his departure from Miami. Powell said he expected to return to the Heat and believed there were potential paths to keeping him after the Giannis trade, comments that sparked a reaction from Heat fans and prompted Powell to clarify his remarks online.

Wes and David break down what Powell actually said, why Miami never made him an offer and whether the Heat should have sacrificed additional flexibility—or moved players like Nikola Jovic—to bring Powell back.

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NBA just sent a pretty clear message: The Miami Heat are back in the national spotlight. Wes Goldberg reacts to the first major announcements from the 2026-27 NBA schedule, with Miami landing marquee games during both Opening Week and on Christmas Day.

What does another Christmas appearance mean for a Heat team that has historically thrived on the holiday? Wes looks at Miami's Christmas history, the renewed rivalry with Boston and why that matchup carries extra juice after the Celtics swept the season series last year.

Then, zooming out, Wes explains what these national TV assignments tell us about how the NBA views the new-look Heat. Miami is one of just 10 teams featured during both Opening Week and Christmas, putting Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and the Heat firmly back among the league's biggest attractions.

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do the Miami Heat actually match up with the best teams in the Eastern Conference? Wes Goldberg and David Ramil begin a two-part series breaking down Miami's positional matchups against the East's top contenders. First, they react to Michael Pina ranking the Heat 11th in the Eastern Conference and his concerns about the spacing around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Are those concerns legitimate, or has the skepticism about Miami's offense gone too far?

Then they go matchup-by-matchup against the Boston Celtics. How do Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Bam and Giannis stack up against Boston's loaded lineup? Finally, they turn to the New York Knicks and examine the challenges of defending Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns—and where Miami might have advantages of its own.

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The mailbag is back, and this one is packed with some of the biggest questions surrounding the new-look Miami Heat. Is this still Bam Adebayo's team, or has Giannis Antetokounmpo officially become the face of the franchise? Wes Goldberg and David Ramil break down the leadership dynamic, offensive hierarchy, and why the answer may not be as simple as it seems.

We also reveal the lineup combinations we're most excited to watch, discuss how Miami stacks up against the Eastern Conference's top contenders, and explore whether Ben Simmons could actually make sense as a low-risk addition. Plus, we react to the possibility of Bradley Beal and Nick Richards joining the roster, talk about two-way players and developmental options the Heat should monitor, and share our expectations for what Giannis could mean to Miami's regular-season success.

00:00 Are the Heat Bam or Giannis' team?

13:32 Who matches up with Giannis?

21:57 Is Beal and Richards a disappointing outcome?

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Cozy Earth
Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDONfor an exclusive 20%.

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who faces the most pressure on the Miami Heat entering the 2026-27 season? Wes Goldberg and David Ramil rank the Heat players and coaches with the most at stake, starting with Giannis Antetokounmpo. After forcing his way to Miami, the expectations are immediate: championship contention. The hosts discuss why the pressure on Giannis resembles what LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal faced when they arrived in South Beach.

Then they examine Bam Adebayo's place in Heat history and whether this season could define his legacy as one of the franchise's all-time greats. Finally, they debate who else has the most to prove, including Erik Spoelstra, Davion Mitchell and Nikola Jovic. Which breakout seasons are essential for Miami's title hopes, and whose reputation could change the most by the end of the year?

00:00 Is Giannis' Legacy at Stake?

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Cozy Earth
Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDONfor an exclusive 20%.

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.