History of Miami Heat in Timeline
The Miami Heat are a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, competing in the NBA as part of the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division. Their home games are played at Kaseya Center. The Heat have won three NBA championships, establishing themselves as a prominent franchise in the league.
1968: Miami Floridians Join ABA
In 1968, the Miami Floridians joined the American Basketball Association (ABA).
1972: Miami Floridians Disband
In 1972, the Miami Floridians, of the American Basketball Association (ABA), ceased to exist.
1987: NBA Grants Expansion Team to Miami
In 1987, the NBA granted one of four new expansion teams to Miami.
1988: Heat wear black 1988-99 uniforms
During the 2017–18 season, the Heat were one of eight teams who participated in this line and wore their black 1988–99 uniforms, updated to the current Nike uniform cut.
1988: Number font based on 1988-99 uniforms
In 1988, the number font for the "City" uniform was based on the 1988–99 uniforms.
1988: Original Miami Heat uniforms unveiled
In 1988, the original Miami Heat uniforms were unveiled prior to the 1988–89 season, featuring simple striping on the right side of the jersey and shorts, and using the same font as the classic Los Angeles Lakers jerseys.
1993: WINZ Aired Miami Heat Games
1995: 51 personal fouls in a playoff game
During the 2013 NBA playoffs between the Heat and the Bulls, there were 51 personal fouls in Game 3. The 51 personal fouls were the most in a playoff game since 1995.
1995: Pat Riley Hired as Team President and Head Coach
In 1995, Micky Arison hired Pat Riley as team president and head coach, who acquired Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway.
1995: Red alternate uniform introduced
In the 1995–96 season, the Heat introduced a red alternate uniform with lettering and numbers in black, white, and orange trim.
1996: WIOD Aired Miami Heat Games
1997: Heat beat Magic in 1997 NBA playoffs
In 1997, the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic had their first NBA playoffs meeting, with Miami beating Orlando 3–2.
1998: End of uniform set
The original uniform set lasted until the 1998–99 season.
1999: Current Heat uniforms in use
The current Heat uniforms have been in use since the 1999–2000 season.
2000: Current Heat uniforms in use
The current Heat uniforms have been in use since the 1999–2000 season.
2001: Departure of Tim Hardaway
2001: Alternate red uniform introduced
The alternate red uniform was introduced during the 2001–02 season, featuring the city name and numbers in white with black trim.
2002: Departure of Alonzo Mourning
2002: Miami Heat Miss Playoffs
2002: Riley Announced Retirement
In the 2002-03 season, Pat Riley announced his retirement as head coach, but remained as team president.
2003: Drafting of Dwyane Wade
In 2003, the Miami Heat drafted Dwyane Wade.
2003: Miami Heat Miss Playoffs
2003: Dwyane Wade Drafted and Riley Steps Down as Head Coach
In 2003, the Miami Heat selected Dwyane Wade in the NBA draft, and Pat Riley stepped down as head coach, promoting Stan Van Gundy to the position.
2003: WBFS Primary Home End
2004: Pacers defeat Heat in 2004 NBA playoffs
In 2004, The Indiana Pacers defeated the Miami Heat 4–2 in the NBA playoffs.
2004: Heat Acquire Shaquille O'Neal
In 2004, the Miami Heat traded for Shaquille O'Neal from the Los Angeles Lakers and Alonzo Mourning returned to the team. They reached the conference finals but lost to the Detroit Pistons.
2005: Riley Replaced Van Gundy
Early into the 2005-06 season, Pat Riley came out of retirement and replaced Stan Van Gundy as head coach of the Miami Heat.
2005: Van Gundy Spearheaded Miami's Campaign
In 2005, Stan Van Gundy spearheaded Miami's campaign where they held the top seed in the east.
2006: Mavericks Defeated in the NBA Finals
After taking a 2-1 lead, the Heat stumbled in the next three games of the NBA Finals of 2006. They were eventually eliminated in Game 6, against the Mavericks.
2006: Miami Heat Win First NBA Championship
In 2006, Pat Riley returned as head coach, the Miami Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons in the conference finals, and won their first NBA championship against the Dallas Mavericks. Dwyane Wade won the Finals MVP award.
2006: Heat defeat Bulls in 2006 NBA playoffs and win NBA Finals
In 2006, the Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 4–2 in the first round of the NBA playoffs and went on to win the NBA Finals.
2007: Riley Retired Permanently
Following the 2007-08 season, Pat Riley retired permanently as head coach, but remained as team president.
2007: Sweep by the Chicago Bulls
In 2007, the Miami Heat were swept 4-0 by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
2007: Heat participate in Noche Latina promotions
Since the 2007–08 season, the Heat participated in the NBA's Noche Latina promotions, or Latin Nights.
2008: Heat wear El Heat uniforms
From 2008 to 2014, the Heat wore a modified version of their black uniforms, featuring the wordmark "El Heat".
2008: Celtics upset Cavaliers in 2008
In 2008, The Boston Celtics upset the Cleveland Cavaliers during Lebron James first stint.
2008: WIOD Broadcast End
2008: Paul Pierce considers Ray Allen his brother after their 2008 championship run
In the off-season, the Celtics' Big 3 was broken up following Ray Allen's joining of the Heat. When asked about their immediate reactions to their teammate leaving for their rival, Paul Pierce admitted that it "hurt", though he still considers Allen "a brother to me" for their 2008 championship run.
2008: Spoelstra Head Coach
Since 2008, Erik Spoelstra is the current head coach of the Miami Heat. At 38, he was the youngest head coach in the league at the time, and the first Filipino-American head coach in league history.
2009: Wade Wins Scoring Champion
In 2009, Dwyane Wade was the NBA scoring champion.
2010: Wade Wins All-Star MVP
In 2010, Dwyane Wade was the NBA All-Star MVP.
2010: Celtics upset Cavaliers in 2010
In 2010, The Boston Celtics upset the Cleveland Cavaliers during Lebron James first stint.
2010: Rivalry Intensified in 2010
In 2010, The Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat rivalry intensified due to Miami's acquiring high-caliber stars such LeBron James and Chris Bosh.
2010: Cavaliers Focus on Maintaining Team
In 2010, similar to how the Cleveland Cavaliers focused on team maintenance, the Heat focused on how it would maintain itself without LeBron.
2010: Celtics defeat Heat in 2010 NBA playoffs
In 2010, the Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat four games to one in the playoffs, prompting Dwyane Wade to declare that he would not suffer another first-round loss in the near future.
2010: The Heat Formed "Big Three"
In 2010, the Miami Heat acquired LeBron James and Chris Bosh to team up with Wade, forming their own "big three" expected to win the championship. The Heat were eventually eliminated during Game 6 in Miami, extending LeBron's quest for a ring.
2010: Heat Sign Bosh and James
In 2010, the Miami Heat added Chris Bosh and LeBron James, starting the "Big 3" era.
2010: Formation of the "Big Three"
In 2010, the Miami Heat formed a superteam by signing LeBron James and Chris Bosh, creating the "Big Three" with Dwyane Wade.
December 25, 2011: Heat Beat Mavericks on Banner-Raising Night
On December 25, 2011, the Miami Heat defeated the Dallas Mavericks 105-94 during the season opener, spoiling the Mavericks' championship banner-raising night of the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season.
2011: Heat wear monochrome uniforms
From 2012 to 2014, the Heat wore special monochrome uniforms: an all-black ensemble in the 2011–12 season.
2011: Heat and Celtics meet in 2011 NBA playoffs
In 2011, the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics met in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs, where the Heat prevailed.
2011: Heat defeat Bulls in 2011 Eastern Conference finals
In 2011, the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls met in the Eastern Conference finals, with the Heat winning in five games. This intensified the rivalry due to the presence of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James on the Heat.
2011: Heat Reach NBA Finals, Lose to Mavericks
In 2011, the Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2006, but lost to the Dallas Mavericks.
August 2012: Dwight Howard departed from the Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers in August 2012
In August 2012, Dwight Howard departed from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers, which softened the rivalry between the Magic and the Heat.
2012: Heat wear monochrome uniforms
From 2012 to 2014, the Heat wore special monochrome uniforms: an all-black ensemble in the 2011–12 season, an all-white version in the 2012–13 season.
2012: Spoelstra led Heat to Back-to-Back Championships
In 2012 and 2013, Erik Spoelstra led the team to four consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals, culminating in back-to-back championships.
2012: Heat and Pacers meet in 2012 NBA playoffs
In 2012, the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers met in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs, with the Heat winning the series 4–2. The series was marked by several suspensions, flagrant fouls, and confrontations between the players.
2012: Heat defeat Celtics in 2012 NBA playoffs
In 2012, the Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series in the Eastern Conference semifinals, advancing to the NBA Finals.
2012: Miami Heat Win NBA Championship
In 2012, the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, won the NBA Championship.
May 22, 2013: Heat vs Pacers in the Conference Finals of the 2013 NBA playoffs
On May 22, 2013, the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers met in the conference finals of the 2013 NBA playoffs. The series was marked by physicality, including fouls and collisions. The Heat won the series 4-3, with a 99-76 victory in Game 7.
2013: Heat victory over Celtics during 2013 streak
During Miami's 2013 streak, Paul Pierce went on record to say that he wished for Miami to lose all of its remaining games. During the same time frame, the Heat achieved a victory against the Boston Celtics. The victory featured James dunking on Jason Terry.
2013: Heat wear nickname jerseys
During the 2013–14 season, the Heat wore a variation of their current home uniforms, but with the player's names at the back replaced by their nicknames.
2013: Heat wear monochrome uniforms
From 2012 to 2014, the Heat wore special monochrome uniforms: an all-white version in the 2012–13 season, and an all-red attire in the 2013–14 season.
2013: Spoelstra led Heat to Back-to-Back Championships
In 2012 and 2013, Erik Spoelstra led the team to four consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals, culminating in back-to-back championships.
2013: Heat and Bulls meet in 2013 NBA playoffs
In 2013, the Miami Heat played the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the NBA playoffs. The Bulls ended Miami Heat winning streak by beating the Heat 93–87 in Game 1. The Heat came back in Game 2 and set a record for the largest margin of victory in franchise playoff history with a 115–78 win. The Bulls also set a record for the worst playoff defeat in franchise history.
2013: Miami Heat Win Back-to-Back Championships
In 2013, the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, won their second consecutive NBA Championship.
2013: Miami Heat Reach Fourth Consecutive NBA Finals
In 2013-14 season, the Miami Heat reached their fourth consecutive NBA Finals, but lost to the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 after a struggling season with injuries to Dwyane Wade.
2013: Original black uniforms used as throwbacks
In the 2013–14 season, the original black uniforms were used as throwback uniforms.
July 11, 2014: LeBron James Leaves Heat to Return to Cavaliers
On July 11, 2014, LeBron James announced he would leave the Miami Heat and return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2014: Heat wear sleeved version of El Heat uniform
From 2008 to 2014, the Heat wore a modified version of their black uniforms, featuring the wordmark "El Heat"; a sleeved version was used in 2014.
2014: Heat wear monochrome uniforms
From 2012 to 2014, the Heat wore special monochrome uniforms: an all-red attire in the 2013–14 season.
2014: Heat Eliminated Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals
In 2014, the Heat eliminated the Pacers 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, advancing to their fourth consecutive NBA Finals during the Big Three era. During Game 5, James struggled, scoring only seven points, his lowest playoff record.
2015: 2015-16 Season
During the 2015-16 season, the Heat compiled a 48–34 regular season record.
2015: Heat wear El Heat white uniforms
For the 2014–15 season, the Heat wore their white uniforms with the "El Heat" wordmark.
2015: Two special uniforms unveiled
The 2015–16 season saw the unveiling of two special uniforms: Heat Legacy and Home Strong.
2015: Classic white uniforms used again
The classic white uniforms were used again for the 2015–16 season.
July 6, 2016: Wade leaves Heat to join Bulls
On July 6, 2016, Dwyane Wade announced his departure from the Heat to join his hometown Chicago Bulls.
September 2016: Bosh fails physical, Riley comments on his career
In September 2016, Chris Bosh failed his physical exam with the Heat, and on September 26, 2016, Heat president Pat Riley indicated that Bosh's career with the team was likely over.
2016: Departure of the "Big Three"
By 2016, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the "Big Three", had all departed from the Miami Heat, initiating a period of rebuilding for the team.
2016: Heat wear all-white uniforms
In 2016, a similarly designed white uniform was used.
2016: End of Season and Wade's free agency
In 2016, the Heat's season ended in the Conference semifinals with a loss to the Toronto Raptors. The 2016 free agency was marked by issues between Dwyane Wade and Heat president Pat Riley.
July 4, 2017: Heat waives Bosh, will retire his number
On July 4, 2017, the Heat waived Chris Bosh after an NBA ruling declared his blood clotting issues a career-ending illness. Riley announced that Bosh's number would be retired.
2017: Classic edition introduced
As part of Nike's uniform contract with the NBA, the so-called "Classic" edition was introduced and featured modernized throwback uniform designs from past years. During the 2017–18 season, the Heat were one of eight teams who participated in this line.
2017: Uniforms fall under three categories
Following the switch to Nike as the uniform provider in the 2017–18 season, the Heat's current uniforms now fall under three categories: "Association", "Icon" and "Statement".
February 8, 2018: Heat acquire Dwyane Wade
On February 8, 2018, the Miami Heat re-acquired Dwyane Wade from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
March 2019: Bosh's jersey retired
Chris Bosh's jersey was retired in March 2019.
2019: Acquisition of Jimmy Butler
2019: Miami acquires Butler, Iguodala, Crowder and drafts Herro
In 2019–20, Miami acquired All-Star Jimmy Butler, Andre Iguodala, and Jae Crowder, and drafted Kentucky shooting guard Tyler Herro.
2019: Heat unveil pink version of Miami Vice uniforms
In the 2018-19 season a pink version of the uniform was unveiled as part of Nike's "Earned" series exclusive only to the 16 teams that qualified in the 2018 NBA playoffs.
February 2020: Wade's jersey retired
Dwyane Wade's jersey was retired in February 2020.
October 2020: Heat lose in the NBA Finals
In October 2020, the Miami Heat lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the NBA Finals.
2020: Heat wear light blue Miami Vice uniforms
A light blue version of the Miami Vice uniforms was used in the 2019–20 season, and the Vice theme continued with the 2020–21 "City" uniform, this time featuring a pink and blue gradient and black letters.
2020: Heat finish as sixth seed
After a short off-season, in 2020–21 the Heat finished as the sixth seed.
2020: Heat and Celtics face off in 2020 Eastern Conference finals
In 2020, the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics faced each other in the Eastern Conference finals, with the Heat winning the series.
2020: Miami Earned uniform rewarded after making the 2020 NBA playoffs
In 2021, Miami's "Earned" uniform (rewarded after making the 2020 NBA playoffs).
2021: Heat Finish at Top of Eastern Conference
During the 2021–22 season, the Heat bounced back, finishing at the top of the Eastern Conference.
2021: Miami's 2021 "Earned" uniform introduced
In 2021, Miami's "Earned" uniform was introduced, marking the first time the team used yellow as a base color. Letters were rendered in black with white trim, and red was not used at all in the uniform.
2021: Heat wear mixed uniform styles
In the 2021–22 season, the Heat wore special "City" uniforms that mixed various uniform styles used by the team.
2021: Departures and Acquisitions
The 2021 off-season saw the departures of Dragić and Iguodala, along with the acquisition of veteran Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker.
August 11, 2022: NBA Retired Bill Russell's Number
On August 11, 2022, the NBA retired Bill Russell's No. 6 for all its member teams.
2022: Heat wear white version of mixed style uniform
In the 2021–22 season, the Heat wore special "City" uniforms that mixed various uniform styles used by the team and the a white version of this uniform served as its 2022–23 "City" uniform.
2022: Heat finish as seventh seed
In the 2022–23 regular season, the Heat finished as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference but managed to clinch their division title.
2022: Heat wear white version of uniforms
In the 2022–23 season, the Heat wore a white version of the uniforms from the same era.
2023: Heat and Celtics face off in 2023 Eastern Conference finals
In 2023, the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics faced each other in the Eastern Conference finals, with the Heat winning the series.
2023: Heat defeat Bulls in 2023 Play-In Tournament
In 2023, the Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In Tournament to earn the 8th seed for the Eastern Conference.
2023: Miami Heat Reach NBA Finals
2023: 2023-24 Season
In the 2023–24 season, the Heat finished as the 8th seed again but lost to the Celtics in the first round.
2024: Conflicts with Jimmy Butler
In 2024, Complications began to arise with Jimmy Butler, with Pat Riley criticizing him and souring their relationship.
2024: Jaime Jaquez Jr. wears modified "HEAT Culture" uniform and Red version of the uniform retired
In 2024, Jaime Jaquez Jr. wore a modified version of the "HEAT Culture" uniform during the All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest. The modified uniform had "EL HEAT CULTURA" emblazoned in front to acknowledge Jaquez Jr.'s Mexican American heritage. Midway through the 2024-25 season, the Heat retired the red "HEAT Culture" uniform in favor of the 2017-18 white "Miami Vice" uniform.
2024: Heat and Celtics face off in 2024 first round
In 2024, the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics faced off in the first round of the playoffs, with the Celtics winning the series and the championship.
2024: Heat defeat Bulls in 2024 Play-In Tournament
In 2024, the Miami Heat once again defeated the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In Tournament, earning the 8th seed.
2024: Other Statistics (Regular Season)
Other statistics in regular season as of the end of the 2024-25 season.
2024: Points Scored (Regular Season)
Points scored in regular season as of the end of the 2024-25 season.
February 5, 2025: Butler traded to Warriors
On February 5, 2025, Jimmy Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors in a multi-team deal.
October 18, 2025: Roster Updated
2025: Jimmy Butler Traded
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