After successfully hunting down the biggest whale, the Miami Heat were quick to make two more acquisitions last week. The franchise acquired Bobby Portis, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo, as part of the exorbitant trade they made with the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, on Wednesday during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, they got Ryan Conwell. These new faces are now set to bring veteran experience to the roster with Porter and a fresh, young perspective with Conwell.
Will Bobby Portis and Ryan Conwell fare well within the Miami Heat?
The Heat steps towards a new beginning with these worthwhile additions set to restore proficiency within the franchise.
Bobby Portis
Drafted by the league in 2015, Portis has spent the last decade with five teams, including the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. During his run with the Bucks, Portis won the 2021 NBA Championship alongside Antetokounmpo and placed third in the 2023 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Bobby Portis ranked 2nd in the *entire* NBA in 3-point percentage this past season (45.6) 👀
Do NOT sleep on the Portis element of the Giannis deal! pic.twitter.com/CsGbVtFFBQ
— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) June 23, 2026
Now with the Heat, his pairing with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo could improve the team’s defense and create a strong front line. His 6’9 frame allows him to play center and power forward.
According to an NBA scout, Portis is better as a rotation piece who can deliver some elite 3-point shots. In fact, Magic Johnson has also highlighted how Portis can use this skill to aid Miami.
This past season, Portis shot 45% from three, his career’s second-highest. He might not be a high-output scorer, but surely can compensate on these fronts. Moreover, his championship mentality, coupled with 11 years of experience, could be a guide for youngsters in the locker room.
Portis is hitting the salary cap for Miami with his $14.5 million salary in the upcoming season. Acquiring Antetokounmpo has put a strain on Miami’s wallet, but the front office is willing to take a chance on the 31-year-old, at least for this season.
Ryan Conwell
Ready to make his NBA debut with the Heat, Conwell, on the other hand, is an absolute newbie in the league and world of pro sports. During the second round of the draft, he was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 37th overall pick. Still, he was quickly traded to the Heat in return for their 41st overall pick and cash considerations. He comes to the Heat after a well-traveled and productive collegiate career, spending one season at South Florida, Indiana State, Xavier, and Louisville.
During his final collegiate season, Conwell averaged 30.9 minutes, 18.8 points, 2.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game at Louisville. His college career honors include ACC All-Second Team this past season and All-MVC Second Team choice while at Indiana State.
Conwell’s physicality makes him an asset, as he stands at 6’4″ with a 6′ 7″ wingspan and is a lefty shooter. In the last three college years, he made 38.4% of his three-point attempts, shines at shooting, and has faith in his defensive skills. With Tyler Herro gone, he could stand as the new guard.
Ryan Conwell is a physical and bursty shotmaker who could bring a ton of value to an NBA team.
How high would you take Conwell in the 2026 NBA Draft? @NoCeilingsNBA pic.twitter.com/FCflphPr2I
— ALBERT GHIM (@albertoeghim) June 3, 2026
Conwell is already elated about the opportunity of playing in the league, saying, “I’m going to give it everything I got.” His shooting skills have already earned the approval of Miami’s basketball operations vice president, Adam Simon, who said about him, “He shoots with confidence. He’s not afraid.”
The 22-year-old takes inspiration from the likes of Stephen Curry and Jalen Brunson, the effects of which are seen in his off-ball movement. With him, Miami has got their shooting covered next season.
The Last Word
With a seasoned player and a new face, Miami is striking a balance in the roster. While Portis has measured every inch of the court and has many tricks up his sleeve, Conwell is entering the league with the hunger to prove himself. With four players given away in the Bucks trade, the Heat desperately needs shooters and forwards to stand ground.
Their fresh outlook could be the making of a roster that has toppled badly in the recent past despite some effective players.
Photo credit: Sam Navarro, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
