Full History Of Miami Heat In Timeline From 1968

1968: Miami Floridians Established

In 1968, Miami was home to the Miami Floridians of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

1972: Miami Floridians Tenure End

In 1972, the Miami Floridians of the American Basketball Association (ABA) no longer played in Miami.

1987: NBA Expansion Team Granted to Miami

In 1987, the NBA granted one of four new expansion teams to Miami, which would become known as the Heat.

November 1988: Miami Heat Begin Play

In November 1988, the Miami Heat began play in the NBA.

1988: Original Black Uniforms

During the 2017–18 season, the Heat wore their black 1988–99 uniforms, updated to the current Nike uniform cut.

1988: Heat on WQAM

From 1988 to 1993, the Heat were on WQAM.

1988: Ron Rothstein becomes first head coach

In 1988, Ron Rothstein became the franchise's first head coach, serving until 1991.

1988: Franchise Begins Play

In 1988, the Miami Heat franchise began playing as an expansion team.

1988: Number font inspiration for "City" uniform

In 1988, the number font of the 1988-99 Miami Heat uniforms served as the inspiration for the number font used in the 2023-24 "City" uniform.

1988: Original Miami Heat Uniforms Unveiled

Prior to the 1988–89 season, the original Miami Heat uniforms were unveiled, featuring simple striping on the right side of the jersey and shorts. The original flaming ball logo was placed on the left leg of the shorts, and the word 'Miami' on the right leg.

1991: Eric Reid becomes lead play-by-play voice

In 1991, Eric Reid became the lead play-by-play voice for the Miami Heat's broadcasting team.

1991: Kevin Loughery becomes head coach, Alvin Gentry joins as assistant coach

In 1991, Kevin Loughery became the head coach of the Heat, and Alvin Gentry joined as an assistant coach.

1992: Heat's First Playoff Berth

In 1992, Kevin Loughery guided the Heat to their first playoff berth.

1992: Pacers' 70 points against the Heat

In Game 3 against the Pacers in 1992, the Heat set a team record for points in a postseason half with 70. It was the first time the Pacers had given up 70 points since 1992.

1992: Heat games televised on SportsChannel Florida

Starting in the 1992–93 season, Heat games were televised on then-SportsChannel Florida (now FanDuel Sports Network Florida).

1993: WINZ airs Heat games

WINZ aired Heat games from 1993 to 1996.

1994: Heat's Second Playoff Berth

In 1994, Kevin Loughery guided the Heat to their second playoff berth.

1995: Alvin Gentry replaces Loughery

In 1995, Alvin Gentry replaced Kevin Loughery as head coach on an interim basis.

1995: Pat Riley Hired

In 1995, Micky Arison hired Pat Riley as team president and head coach of the Miami Heat.

1995: High foul count in playoff game

In 2013, During Game 3 of the Heat vs Bulls playoff game, the 51 personal fouls were the most in a playoff game since 1995.

1995: Introduction of Red Alternate Uniform

In the 1995–96 season, the Miami Heat introduced a red alternate uniform with lettering and numbers in black, white, and orange trim.

1995: Pat Riley hired as head coach and team president

In the summer of 1995, Micky Arison hired Pat Riley as the head coach and team president.

1996: Dramatically improved season

In 1996 the Heat underwent a dramatic turnaround in the 1996-97 season, improving to a 61–21 record, Miami earned the moniker of "Road Warriors" for its remarkable 32–9 record on the road.

1996: WIOD airs Heat games

WIOD aired Heat games from 1996 to 2008.

1997: Start of Consecutive Playoff Series vs. Knicks

In 1997, the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks began a streak of four consecutive playoff series that lasted until 2000. Each series went to seven games, marking the beginning of a heated rivalry.

1997: First NBA Playoff Meeting vs. Magic

In 1997, the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic met in the NBA playoffs for the first time, with Miami defeating Orlando 3–2.

1998: WBFS-TV concludes first stint as flagship station

At the end of the 1998–99 season, WBFS-TV (channel 33) concluded its first stint as the over-the-air flagship station for Heat games, after 11 seasons.

1998: Playoff Elimination by the Knicks

In 1998, the New York Knicks eliminated the Miami Heat from the playoffs.

1998: Last Season for Original Uniform Set

The 1998-99 season marked the end of the original Miami Heat uniform set.

1999: Introduction of Current Heat Uniforms

The current Miami Heat uniforms have been in use since the 1999–2000 season, featuring striping on both sides, a change from orange to yellow trim, updated lettering, and a modified 'flaming ball' logo.

2000: End of Consecutive Playoff Series vs. Knicks

In 2000, the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks concluded a streak of four consecutive playoff series, each of which went to seven games.

2000: Playoff Elimination by the Knicks

In 2000, the New York Knicks eliminated the Miami Heat from the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

2000: WBFS returns as Heat's primary over-the-air home

In 2000–01, WBFS (along with sister station WFOR channel 4) returned as the Heat's primary over-the-air home.

2000: Introduction of Current Heat Uniforms

The current Miami Heat uniforms have been in use since the 1999–2000 season, featuring striping on both sides, a change from orange to yellow trim, updated lettering, and a modified 'flaming ball' logo.

2001: Departure of Alonzo Mourning

In 2001, Alonzo Mourning departed from the Miami Heat.

2001: Introduction of Alternate Red Uniform

The alternate red uniform was introduced during the 2001–02 season and features the city name and numbers in white with black trim.

2002: Michael Jordan's No. 23 retired by the Heat

During the 2002–03 season, Pat Riley retired Michael Jordan's No. 23 before his final game in Miami as a tribute to his career, even though he never played for the Heat.

2002: Departure of Tim Hardaway

In 2002, Tim Hardaway departed from the Miami Heat.

2002: Missed Playoffs

In 2002, the Miami Heat missed the playoffs, marking the start of a period of mediocrity.

2002: Riley retires, Van Gundy elevated as replacement

Upon suffering a 25–57 record in the 2002–03 season, Riley abruptly announced his retirement, but remained as team president. He elevated assistant coach Stan Van Gundy as his replacement.

2003: Drafting of Dwyane Wade and Riley Steps Down

In 2003, the Miami Heat drafted Dwyane Wade and signed Lamar Odom. Pat Riley stepped down as head coach, promoting Stan Van Gundy.

2003: Drafting of Dwyane Wade

In 2003, the Miami Heat drafted Dwyane Wade, which brought success to the team.

2003: Missed Playoffs

In 2003, the Miami Heat missed the playoffs, highlighting a period of mediocrity.

2003: WBFS stint concludes as Heat's primary over-the-air home

In 2003–04 season, WBFS stint concludes as the Heat's primary over-the-air home.

2004: Blockbuster Trade for Shaquille O'Neal

In 2004, Riley engineered a trade for Shaquille O'Neal from the Los Angeles Lakers. Alonzo Mourning also returned to the Heat. Miami finished with a 59–23 record and the first overall seed in the Eastern Conference, ultimately losing to the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 of the Conference Finals despite taking a 3-2 lead. Wade was injured in game 6.

2004: First Playoff Meeting Between Heat and Pacers

In 2004, the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers previously met in the NBA playoffs (when Indiana won 4–2).

2004: Sun Sports becomes the exclusive regional carrier of Heat games

Since 2004–05, Sun Sports have served as the exclusive regional carrier of Heat games throughout the team's designated broadcast territory.

2005: Riley comes out of retirement, replaces Van Gundy

An 11–10 record early into the 2005–06 season prompted Riley to come out of retirement and replace Van Gundy.

2005: Dan Marino's No. 13 honored

During the 2005–06 season, the organization honored Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino's No. 13 in respect of his contributions to the National Football League (NFL)'s Miami Dolphins.

2005: Van Gundy spearheads Heat's campaign

In 2005, Van Gundy spearheaded Miami's campaign, where they held the top seed in the east, swept their first two playoff opponents and made it to the conference finals.

2005: Acquisition of Veteran Free Agents

In 2005, the Miami Heat acquired veteran free agent Gary Payton from the Boston Celtics, and also brought in James Posey, Jason Williams and Antoine Walker via trades.

2005: Honoring Miami Floridians with Throwback Uniforms

In the 2005–06 season, the Miami Heat honored the ABA's Miami Floridians by wearing their throwback road jerseys.

2006: Last Finals appearance

2006 was the last time the Miami Heat had reached the finals before the 2011 season.

2006: Riley wins his fifth championship as head coach

In 2006, Riley won his fifth and final championship as a head coach, as well as Miami's first championship.

2006: NBA Championship

In 2006, after a disappointing start, Riley relieved Van Gundy of his duties and took back the head coaching job. The Heat defeated the Pistons and then the Dallas Mavericks, capturing its first-ever championship, with Wade winning the Finals MVP award.

2006: Heat win NBA Championship against the Mavericks

In 2006, the Heat and Mavericks met in the NBA Finals. The Heat won the series 4-2, claiming their first NBA Championship. Dwyane Wade was named the Finals MVP.

2006: Heat defeat Bulls in NBA Playoffs

In 2006, the Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 4–2 in the first round of the NBA playoffs, eventually winning the NBA Finals.

2006: First NBA Title

In 2006, the Miami Heat, led by Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal, won their first NBA title after Pat Riley named himself head coach.

2006: Mavericks defeated in the NBA Finals

Since the 2006 Finals against the Heat, the Mavericks had been defeated in the first round all but one time.

2007: Post-Title Struggles

In 2007, the Miami Heat experienced post-title struggles, including a 4–0 sweep by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Wade was plagued by injuries.

2007: Riley retires permanently

Riley retired permanently following the 15-win 2007–08 season, but once again remained as team president.

2007: Heat Participate in Noche Latina Promotions

Since the 2007–08 season, the Miami Heat participated in the NBA's Noche Latina promotions, or Latin Nights.

2008: Heat Wear Modified Black Uniforms for Noche Latina

From 2008 to 2014, the Miami Heat wore a modified version of their black uniforms, featuring the wordmark "El Heat" for the Noche Latina promotions.

2008: Erik Spoelstra becomes Heat head coach

In 2008, Erik Spoelstra, Riley's hand-picked replacement, became the current Heat head coach.

2008: Celtics' 2008 Championship run

In 2008, Paul Pierce admitted that it "hurt" when Ray Allen joined the Heat, though he still considers Allen "a brother to me" for their 2008 championship run.

2008: Celtics upset Cavaliers in NBA Playoffs

In 2008, the Boston Celtics upset LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA playoffs.

2008: WIOD stops airing Heat games

WIOD stopped airing Heat games in 2008.

2009: Playoff Loss and Wade's Scoring Title

In 2009, a healthy Wade led the Heat to 43 wins and the playoffs, though they lost in the first round. Wade was the scoring champion in 2009.

2010: Addition of Chris Bosh and LeBron James

Entering the 2010–11 season, the Heat added Chris Bosh and LeBron James, starting the "Big 3" era.

2010: Playoff Loss and Wade's All-Star MVP

In 2010, a healthy Wade led the Heat to 47 wins and the playoffs, though they lost in the first round. Wade was also the NBA All-Star MVP in 2010.

2010: Celtics defeat Heat in Playoffs

In 2010, the Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat four games to one in the NBA playoffs, which prompted Dwyane Wade to declare that it would be his last first-round loss for the near future.

2010: Celtics upset Cavaliers in NBA Playoffs

In 2010, the Boston Celtics upset LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA playoffs, contributing to James's growing enmity with the Celtics. The Heat acquired both James and Chris Bosh in 2010, challenging the Celtics for dominance in the Eastern Conference.

2010: Heat acquire LeBron James and Chris Bosh

In 2010, the Miami Heat acquired LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chris Bosh from the Toronto Raptors, intensifying the rivalry with the Orlando Magic.

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.

2010: Heat focus on maintaining without Lebron.

Like the Cavaliers in the 2010 off-season, the Heat focused on how it would maintain itself without LeBron. The Heat made efforts to restructure following the departure of Lebron.

December 25, 2011: Heat spoil Mavericks' championship banner-raising night

On December 25, 2011, the Heat spoiled the Mavericks' championship banner-raising night, defeating them 105–94.

2011: Signing of Shane Battier

After the second NBA lockout ended in 2011, the Miami Heat signed veteran Shane Battier.

2011: All-Black Monochrome Uniforms

From 2012 to 2014, the Heat wore special monochrome uniforms: an all-black ensemble in the 2011–12 season.

2011: Heat defeat Celtics in Eastern Conference Semifinals

In 2011, the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the NBA playoffs, where Miami prevailed despite incidents such as Paul Pierce's ejection and Dwyane Wade inadvertently breaking Rajon Rondo's arm. LeBron James scored the final 10 points in the deciding Game 5.

2011: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2011, the Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2006, but lost to the Dallas Mavericks.

2011: Honoring Miami Floridians with Throwback Uniforms

In the 2011–12 season, the Miami Heat honored the ABA's Miami Floridians by donning their throwback home jerseys.

July 11, 2012: Signing of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis

On July 11, 2012, the Miami Heat officially signed veterans Ray Allen to a three-year contract and Rashard Lewis to a two-year contract.

2012: Third-Longest Winning Streak

During the 2012–13 season, the Miami Heat achieved the NBA's third-longest winning streak, with 27 straight games.

2012: All-Black Monochrome Uniforms

From 2012 to 2014, the Heat wore special monochrome uniforms: an all-black ensemble in the 2011–12 season and an all-white version in the 2012–13 season.

2012: Spoelstra leads Heat to NBA Championship

In 2012, Erik Spoelstra led the Heat to the NBA Championship.

2012: Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. Pacers

In 2012, the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers engaged in a heated Eastern Conference Semifinals series, marked by suspensions, flagrant fouls, and confrontations. Miami won the series 4–2.

2012: Heat defeat Celtics en route to NBA Finals

In 2012, the Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals en route to the NBA Finals, with LeBron James delivering a 45-point performance in Game 6.

2012: Christmas Day "Big Color" Uniforms

In 2012, the Miami Heat participated in the Christmas Day games wearing special monochrome red uniforms known as "Big Color."

2012: NBA Championship

In 2012, the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, won the NBA Championship.

2012: Gold Accents on Opening Night Uniforms

The Miami Heat wore a variation of their current home uniforms on the opening night of the 2012–13 season, with gold accents and a patch of the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy on the right chest.

February 3, 2013: Start of 27-Game Winning Streak

On February 3, 2013, the Miami Heat began a 27-game winning streak.

March 27, 2013: End of 27-Game Winning Streak

On March 27, 2013, the Miami Heat's 27-game winning streak ended.

May 22, 2013: Heat vs Pacers in the Conference Finals of the 2013 NBA playoffs

On May 22, 2013, the Heat and the Pacers met in the conference finals of the 2013 NBA playoffs. There were several instances of physicality during the series. The Heat won the series 4-3.

2013: Nicknames on Back of Uniforms

During the 2013–14 season, the Miami Heat wore a variation of their current home uniforms, but with the player's names at the back replaced by their nicknames.

2013: All-White 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 leads Heat to back-to-back championships

In 2013, Erik Spoelstra led the Heat to back-to-back championships.

2013: Pierce wishes Heat lose; James dunks on Terry

In 2013, Paul Pierce went on record to say that he wished for Miami to lose all of its remaining games. During Miami's 2013 streak, LeBron James dunked on Jason Terry and received a technical foul for staring down at Terry post-dunk.

2013: Heat and Bulls Playoff Series

In 2013, during the second round of the NBA playoffs between the Heat and the Bulls, the Bulls ended another 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. There were numerous ejections and technical/flagrant fouls during the series.

2013: Continued Success

In 2013, the Heat was doing well, but Dwyane Wade was injured, they entered the playoffs as the Eastern Conference second seed. Ultimately losing the finals.

2013: Back-to-back Championships

In 2013, the Miami Heat won back-to-back championships, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

2013: Original Black Uniforms Used as Throwbacks

In the 2013–14 season, the original black Miami Heat uniforms were used as throwback uniforms.

2013: Reference to previous season

In the 2021-22 season, The Heat finished at the top of the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2013.

2013: Gold Lettering on Opening Night Uniforms

The Miami Heat used another variation on opening night of the 2013–14 season, this time with gold lettering.

July 11, 2014: LeBron James Returns to Cleveland

On July 11, 2014, LeBron James announced he would leave the Heat and return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2014: All-Red Monochrome Uniforms

From 2012 to 2014, the Heat wore special monochrome uniforms: an all-red attire in the 2013–14 season.

2014: Udonis Haslem only player left from either team

In 2014, Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat was the only player still remaining from either team since their 2004 playoff series.

2014: Heat eliminate the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals

In 2014, the Heat eliminated the Pacers 4–2 in the Eastern Conference finals, advancing to their fourth consecutive NBA Finals in the Big Three-era.

2014: Heat Wear Sleeved Version of Black Uniforms and White Uniforms for Noche Latina

In 2014, the Heat wore a sleeved version of their black uniforms for Noche Latina. For the 2014-15 season, the Miami Heat wore their white uniforms with the "El Heat" wordmark for the Noche Latina promotions.

2014: Christmas Day Uniform Variation

In 2014, the Miami Heat wore a variation of their home uniform for Christmas Day games, featuring their primary logo and centered numbers in front, and black nameplates with the player's first name below the number at the back.

2015: 2015-16 Season Summary

During the 2015-16 season, the Heat compiled a 48–34 regular season record.

2015: Heat Wear Red Alternates for Noche Latina

For the 2015–16 season, the Miami Heat wore the Noche Latina version of their red alternates.

2015: Dragic Brothers Acquisition

In 2015, The Heat also gained Goran Dragić and his younger brother Zoran Dragić.

2015: All-Black Tuxedo-Inspired Uniform Variation

In 2015, a variation of their all-black uniforms, featuring drop shadows, centered numbers and heavy striping inspired from a tuxedo, was used.

2015: Drafted Justise Winslow

In the 2015 NBA draft lottery, the Miami Heat were awarded the 10th pick, which they used to select Duke forward Justise Winslow.

2015: Unveiling of Special Uniforms

In the 2015–16 season, the Miami Heat unveiled two special uniforms: one featuring a blend of modern and classic styles (Heat Legacy), and the other a military-inspired uniform (Home Strong).

2015: Classic White Uniforms Used Again

The classic white Miami Heat uniforms were used again for the 2015–16 season.

July 6, 2016: Wade Leaves to Join Chicago Bulls

On July 6, 2016, Dwyane Wade announced his departure from the Miami Heat to join his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls.

September 2016: Bosh Fails Physical and Career Viewed as Over

In September 2016, Chris Bosh failed his physical exam with the Miami Heat and was not cleared to participate in training camp. 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 had all departed from the Miami Heat, leading to a period of rebuilding.

2016: Conference Semifinals Loss and Wade's Free Agency

In 2016, the Miami Heat's season ended in the Conference semifinals with a loss to the Toronto Raptors. The 2016 free agency period was marked by relationship issues and disagreements between Dwyane Wade and Heat president Pat Riley regarding Wade's pay.

2016: All-White Tuxedo-Inspired Uniform Variation

In 2016–17, a similarly designed all-white uniform variation was used, featuring drop shadows, centered numbers and heavy striping inspired from a tuxedo.

July 4, 2017: Heat Waive Bosh, Riley Announces Jersey Retirement

On July 4, 2017, the Miami Heat waived Chris Bosh after an NBA ruling declared his blood clotting issues a career-ending illness. Heat president Pat Riley immediately announced that Bosh's number would be retired in the future.

2017: Adebayo Drafted

During the 2017 offseason, the Miami Heat selected Bam Adebayo during the NBA draft.

2017: Heat Participate in Nike "Classic" Edition

During the 2017–18 season, the Miami Heat were one of eight teams who participated in Nike's "Classic" edition uniform line.

2017: Switch to Nike as Uniform Provider

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" (white), "Icon" (black), and "Statement" (red).

2017: "City" Uniforms Homage to Miami Vice

In the 2017–18 season, the Miami Heat wore special "City" uniforms that paid homage to the hit 1980s TV series Miami Vice. The uniforms were white with pink, light blue and black trim and featured the "Miami" wordmark inspired from the logo of the Miami Arena.

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2017: Adoption of "Miami Vice" uniform as substitute

Midway through the 2024-25 season, the Miami Heat retired the red "HEAT Culture" uniform in favor of the 2017-18 white "Miami Vice" uniform as a temporary substitute to the primary white "Association" uniform.

February 8, 2018: Dwyane Wade Returns to the Heat

On February 8, 2018, the Miami Heat acquired Dwyane Wade back from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2018: Black Miami Vice Uniforms Released

For the 2018–19 season, the Miami Heat released black versions of the Miami Vice uniforms.

March 2019: Chris Bosh's Jersey Retired

Chris Bosh's Miami Heat jersey was retired in March 2019.

2019: Acquisition of Jimmy Butler

In 2019, the Miami Heat acquired All-Star Jimmy Butler, leading to renewed success.

2019: Acquisition of Key Players and Draft

In 2019–20, the Miami Heat acquired All-Star Jimmy Butler, Andre Iguodala, and Jae Crowder, and drafted Kentucky shooting guard Tyler Herro.

2019: Pink Miami Vice Uniform Unveiled

In the 2018-2019 season, a pink version of the Miami Vice uniform was unveiled as part of Nike's "Earned" series for teams in the 2018 NBA playoffs. A light blue version of the uniforms was used in the 2019–20 season.

February 2020: Dwyane Wade's Jersey Retired

Dwyane Wade's Miami Heat jersey was retired in February 2020.

October 2020: NBA Finals Loss to Lakers

In October 2020, the Miami Heat lost to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the NBA Finals.

2020: Heat's Struggles and Sixth Seed Finish

After a short offseason, the Heat struggled to find consistency in the 2020–21 season, finishing as the sixth seed.

2020: Heat-Celtics Eastern Conference finals

From 2020 to 2023, the Heat and the Celtics faced each other in the Eastern Conference finals for three out of four of the years. The Heat won the first meeting, but the Heat would lose the finals in those years.

2020: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2020, with the emergence of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, the Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals.

2020: Light Blue Miami Vice Uniform Used

In the 2019-20 season, a light blue version of the Miami Vice uniforms was used.The Vice theme continued with the 2020–21 "City" uniform, this time featuring a pink and blue gradient and black letters.

2020: "Earned" uniform reward

The Miami Heat's 2021 "Earned" uniform was rewarded after making the 2020 NBA playoffs.

2021: Heat Finish Atop Eastern Conference

During the 2021–22 season, the Heat bounced back, finishing at the top of the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2013.

2021: Introduction of the "Earned" uniform

In 2021, the Miami Heat's "Earned" uniform marked the first time the team used yellow as a base color. Letters were rendered in black with white trim.

2021: "City" Uniform Mixes Previous Styles

In the 2021–22 season, the Miami Heat wore special "City" uniforms that mixed various uniform styles used by the team. The black-based uniform featured lettering taken from the Heat's previous and current uniform sets.

2021: Departures and Acquisitions

The 2021 offseason saw the departures of Dragić and Iguodala, along with the acquisition of veteran Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker for the Miami Heat.

August 11, 2022: NBA retires Bill Russell's No. 6

On August 11, 2022, the NBA retired Bill Russell's No. 6 for all its member teams.

2022: White Version of "City" Uniform

In the 2022-23 season, a white version of the Miami Heat's "City" uniform served as its uniform.

2022: Playoff Run to NBA Finals

In the 2022-23 season, the Miami Heat finished as the seventh seed, qualified for the play-in tournament, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics to reach the NBA Finals, and ultimately lost to the Denver Nuggets.

2022: Heat Wear White Version of Throwback Uniforms

In the 2022–23 season, the Miami Heat wore a white version of the uniforms from the same era as the 1988-99 uniforms.

2023: Heat win Eastern Conference Finals vs Celtics

From 2020 to 2023, the Heat and the Celtics faced each other in the Eastern Conference finals for three out of four of the years. In 2023, the Heat won in the Eastern Conference Finals vs Celtics, but the Heat would lose the finals in those years.

2023: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2023, The Heat reached the NBA finals again.

2023: Heat Win Play-In Tournament vs. Bulls

In 2023, the Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In Tournament to earn the Eastern Conference's 8th seed for the NBA playoffs.

2023: Introduction of the "City" uniform

In 2023, the Miami Heat introduced the "City" uniform for the 2023-24 season, centered around the mantra of "HEAT Culture." The black-based uniform featured the team name in red and "CULTURE" in white letters.

2023: Heat Finish as 8th Seed

In the 2023–24 season, the Heat finished as the 8th seed again and lose to the Celtics in the first round in 5 games.

2023: Other statistics (regular season) as of the end of the 2023–24 season

Other statistics (regular season) as of the end of the 2023–24 season

2023: Points scored (regular season) as of the end of the 2023–24 season

Points scored (regular season) as of the end of the 2023–24 season

2024: All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest & Red "HEAT Culture" uniform retirement

In 2024, Jaime Jaquez Jr. wore a modified "HEAT Culture" uniform during the All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest, with "EL HEAT CULTURA" on the front. The red "HEAT Culture" uniform was retired midway through the 2024-25 season in favor of the 2017-18 white "Miami Vice" uniform as a temporary substitute.

2024: Celtics defeat Heat and win NBA Championship

In 2024, the Heat and Celtics faced off in the first round, but the Heat were playing without Jimmy Butler, and the Celtics won the championship that year.

2024: Heat Defeat Bulls Again in Play-In Tournament

In 2024, the Miami Heat once again defeated the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In Tournament, earning the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference for the NBA playoffs.

2024: Riley Criticizes Butler

In the 2023–24 season, after injuries and inconsistencies with Butler, particularly over the previous year, Pat Riley acknowledged the situation and criticized him for his behavior.

February 5, 2025: Butler Traded to the Golden State Warriors

On February 5, 2025, Jimmy Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors in a multi-team deal after failing to reach an agreement on an extension and being suspended multiple times.