Heat’s Reunion with Former Postseason Hero Delayed Until Summer
Gabe Vincent’s anticipated reunion with the Miami Heat has been postponed until the summer. Vincent’s initial exit from the Los Angeles Lakers culminated in a trade to the Atlanta Hawks on February 5, 2026, ending his difficult stint in Los Angeles.
Trade Details and Future Prospects
Reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed that Vincent, along with a 2032 second-round draft pick, was traded to the Hawks in exchange for sharpshooter Luke Kennard. This trade sparked immediate speculation about a potential buyout. However, insider Jake Fischer noted that the Hawks plan to retain both Vincent and Buddy Hield.
Consequently, the Miami Heat will not be able to explore the possibility of bringing back their former postseason hero until the offseason.
Gabe Vincent’s Impressive Performance with Miami
During his time with the Heat from 2020 to 2023, Vincent endeared himself to fans with his strong defensive skills and clutch performances. In his final two seasons with Miami, he averaged:
- 9.1 points per game
- 2.8 assists per game
- 2.0 rebounds per game
- 0.9 steals per game
- 1.7 made three-point field goals per game
This production came with significant efficiency, as he played an average of 24.6 minutes per game. His defensive metrics ranked him in the 69th percentile or higher across several categories, highlighting his effectiveness on the court.
Heroics in the 2023 NBA Playoffs
Vincent’s performance peaked during the 2023 NBA Playoffs, where he recorded five games with 20 or more points. Noteworthy moments included:
- 22 points in the first-round closeout game
- 29 points in a pivotal Eastern Conference Finals win against the Boston Celtics
- Consistency with 19 and 23-point games in the NBA Finals
These standout performances solidified his reputation as a valuable two-way player, enhancing his desirability heading into the 2023 free agency.
Looking Ahead
As fans of the Miami Heat hope for Vincent’s return, the reality remains that any potential reunion with the team will need to wait until the 2026 offseason. His previous success with the Heat and understanding of “Heat Culture” make him a strong candidate for reintegration. Until then, Vincent’s journey with the Atlanta Hawks will be closely monitored.
