Full History Of Miami Heat In Timeline From 1968

1968: Miami Floridians' Inaugural Season

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

1972: End of Miami Floridians' time in Miami

In 1972, the Miami Floridians left Miami.

1987: NBA Expansion Team Granted to Miami

In 1987, the NBA granted Miami one of four new expansion teams, marking the beginning of the Miami Heat franchise.

November 1988: Inaugural Season Begins

In November 1988, the Miami Heat began play in their inaugural season.

1988: Heat wore black 1988-99 uniforms, updated to Nike cut

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

1988: The Heat were on WQAM

From 1988 to 1993, the Miami Heat games were broadcasted on WQAM.

1988: Ron Rothstein becomes the franchise's first head coach

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

1988: Original Miami Heat uniforms unveiled

In 1988, 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 home uniforms were white with lettering in red, black and orange trim, while the away uniforms were black with red, white and orange trim.

1988: Franchise Inaugural Season

In 1988, the Miami Heat franchise began its inaugural season as an expansion team in the NBA.

1988: Number Font Based on 1988-99 Uniforms

In 2023, The "City" uniform number font was based on the 1988–99 uniforms.

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

In 1991, Eric Reid became the lead play-by-play voice for the Miami Heat, after initially serving as a color analyst since the franchise's beginning.

1991: Kevin Loughery becomes head coach

In 1991, Kevin Loughery succeeded Ron Rothstein as the head coach of the Miami Heat.

1992: First playoff berth

In 1992, under Kevin Loughery, the Miami Heat reached their first playoff berth.

1992: Pacers hadn't given up 70 points since 1992

In Game 3 of the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals, the Miami Heat scored 70 points in a postseason half, marking the first time since 1992 that the Indiana Pacers had allowed that many points in a half.

1992: Heat games televised on SportsChannel Florida

Starting in the 1992-93 season, Miami Heat games were televised on SportsChannel Florida (now FanDuel Sports Network Florida) before moving to Sunshine Network.

1993: WINZ aired Heat games

From 1993 to 1996, WINZ aired Miami Heat games.

1994: Second playoff berth

In 1994, the Miami Heat secured their second playoff berth under head coach Kevin Loughery.

1995: Alvin Gentry replaces Loughery

In 1995, Alvin Gentry replaced Kevin Loughery as the Miami Heat's head coach on an interim basis.

1995: Acquisition of Team and Pat Riley

In 1995, Micky Arison purchased the Miami Heat, bringing in Pat Riley as team president and head coach.

1995: Most Personal Fouls in Playoff Game

In 2013, in game 2 between Heat and Bulls, 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 becomes head coach and team president

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

1996: WIOD aired Heat games

From 1996 to 2008, WIOD aired Miami Heat games.

1996: Franchise Record

In the 1996 NBA season, the Miami Heat had a franchise record of 61-21.

1997: First Playoff Meeting Between Heat and Magic

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

1997: Start of Consecutive Playoff Series

In 1997, the rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat began as a result of their four consecutive playoff series.

1998: WBFS-TV's first stint concludes

At the end of the 1998-99 season, WBFS-TV's first stint as the over-the-air flagship station for Miami Heat games concluded, after 11 seasons.

1998: Playoff Elimination by New York Knicks

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

1998: Original uniform set lasted until 1998-99 season

The original Miami Heat uniform set lasted until the 1998-99 season.

1999: Current Heat uniforms introduced

The current Miami Heat uniforms have been in use since the 1999-2000 season.

2000: Playoff Elimination by New York Knicks

In 2000, the New York Knicks eliminated the Miami Heat in the playoffs.

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

In the 2000-01 season, WBFS, along with its sister station WFOR, returned as the Miami Heat's primary over-the-air home for games.

2000: Current Heat uniforms introduced

The current Miami Heat uniforms have been in use since the 1999-2000 season. These uniforms feature striping on both sides, change from orange to yellow trim, updated lettering and block numbers, and a modified 'flaming ball' logo on the right leg.

2000: End of Consecutive Playoff Series

The four consecutive playoff series between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat that started in 1997 ended in 2000. Each series went to seven games.

2001: Departure of Alonzo Mourning

In 2001, Alonzo Mourning departed from the Miami Heat after having led the team to four consecutive division titles.

2001: Alternate red uniform introduced

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

2002: Riley abruptly announces his retirement

After a 25–57 record in the 2002–03 season, Pat Riley abruptly announced his retirement from coaching, but remained as team president of the Miami Heat.

2002: Michael Jordan's No. 23 retired

During the 2002-03 season, the Miami Heat 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 after having led the team to four consecutive division titles.

2002: Missing the Playoffs

In 2002, the Miami Heat missed the playoffs.

2003: Drafting of Dwyane Wade and Signing of Lamar Odom

In 2003, the Miami Heat drafted Dwyane Wade and signed free agent Lamar Odom.

2003: Drafting of Dwyane Wade

In 2003, the Miami Heat drafted Dwyane Wade, marking a turning point for the team's future success.

2003: Missing the Playoffs

In 2003, the Miami Heat missed the playoffs.

2003: WBFS ends run as Heat's primary over-the-air home

The 2003-04 season marked the end of WBFS's second run as the Miami Heat's primary over-the-air home for televised games.

2004: Pacers Defeat Heat in Playoffs

In 2004, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Miami Heat 4-2 in the NBA playoffs.

2004: Trade for Shaquille O'Neal and Playoff Run

In 2004, the Miami Heat traded for Shaquille O'Neal and made a playoff run, reaching the conference finals.

2004: Sun Sports becomes exclusive regional carrier

Since the 2004-05 season, Sun Sports (now FanDuel Sports Network Sun) has served as the exclusive regional carrier of Miami Heat games throughout the team's designated broadcast territory.

2005: Riley replaces Van Gundy

Due to an 11–10 record early in the 2005–06 season, Pat Riley came out of retirement to replace Stan Van Gundy as the head coach of the Miami Heat.

2005: Dan Marino's No. 13 honored

During the 2005-06 season, the Miami Heat honored Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino's No. 13 in recognition of his contributions to the NFL's Miami Dolphins, although the jersey was not retired.

2005: Acquisition of Veteran Players

In 2005, the Miami Heat acquired veteran free agent Gary Payton, and James Posey, Jason Williams and Antoine Walker via trades.

2005: Miami's 2005 campaign

In 2005, under Stan Van Gundy, the Miami Heat held the top seed in the East, swept their first two playoff opponents, and reached the conference finals.

2005: Miami Floridians throwback jerseys donned

The Miami Heat honored the ABA's Miami Floridians by donning throwback uniforms; first the road jerseys in the 2005–06 season, then the home jerseys in the 2011–12 season.

2006: First NBA Championship

In 2006, led by Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal, and with Pat Riley as head coach, the Miami Heat won their first NBA Championship.

2006: Heat Defeat Bulls in Playoffs and Win NBA Finals

In 2006, the Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs with a 4-2 series victory and went on to win the NBA Finals.

2006: NBA Championship and Wade's MVP

In 2006, the Miami Heat won the NBA Championship, with Dwyane Wade winning the Finals MVP award.

2006: NBA Title

In 2006, the Miami Heat won the NBA Championship.

2006: Heat win their first NBA Championship against the Mavericks

In 2006, the Miami Heat won their first NBA Championship, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the NBA Finals. Dwyane Wade was named the Finals MVP.

2006: Riley wins his fifth championship as head coach

Shortly after returning, in 2006 Pat Riley won his fifth and final championship as a head coach, also securing Miami's first NBA championship.

2006: Mavericks had been defeated in the first round all but one time since the 2006 Finals

Since the 2006 NBA Finals loss to the Heat, the Dallas Mavericks had struggled in the playoffs, being defeated in the first round all but one time, including a defeat the previous season.

2007: Riley retires permanently

Following the 15-win 2007–08 season, Pat Riley retired permanently from coaching, remaining as team president of the Miami Heat.

2007: First Round Sweep

In 2007, the Miami Heat were swept in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Chicago Bulls.

2007: Heat participated in NBA's Noche Latina promotions

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

2008: Heat wore "El Heat" version of their black uniforms

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

2008: Erik Spoelstra becomes Heat head coach

In 2008, Erik Spoelstra, hand-picked by Pat Riley, became the Miami Heat head coach. At 38, he was the youngest head coach in the league and the first Filipino-American head coach in league history.

2008: WIOD ends broadcast of Heat games

In 2008, WIOD stopped airing Miami Heat games, concluding a period that began in 1996.

2008: Celtics Upset Cavaliers in Playoffs

In 2008, the Boston Celtics upset LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, adding to the rivalry between James and the Celtics.

2008: Celtics' 2008 Championship Run

In the off-season, following Ray Allen's joining of the Heat, Kevin Garnett claimed that he deleted Allen's phone number, while Paul Pierce admitted that it "hurt", though he still considers Allen "a brother to me" for their 2008 championship run.

2009: Wade 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 Playoffs

In 2010, for the second time, the Boston Celtics upset LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, adding to the rivalry between James and the Celtics.

2010: The Heat create their own "big three"

In 2010, the Miami Heat acquired LeBron James and Chris Bosh to team up with Dwyane Wade, forming their own "big three" with the expectation of winning a championship.

2010: Formation of the "Big Three"

In 2010, the Miami Heat formed a superteam by signing LeBron James and Chris Bosh to play alongside Dwyane Wade, creating the "Big Three".

2010: Signing of Bosh and James

In 2010, the Miami Heat signed Chris Bosh and LeBron James, starting the "Big 3" era.

2010: Cavaliers off-season

In the 2010 off-season, the Cleveland Cavaliers had to maintain itself without LeBron James, similar to the Heat in 2014.

2010: Rivalry Intensified with Star Players

The rivalry between the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic intensified in 2010 with the rise of Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard, along with Miami's acquisition of LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

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

On December 25, 2011, the Miami Heat spoiled the Dallas Mavericks' championship banner-raising night, defeating them 105–94 in the season opener of the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season.

2011: Signing of Shane Battier

Following the NBA lockout in 2011, the Miami Heat signed veteran Shane Battier.

2011: All-black monochrome uniforms worn

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, and an all-red attire in the 2013–14 season.

2011: Heat Defeat Celtics in Eastern Conference Semifinals

In 2011, the Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, marking a significant victory in their rivalry. The series included several notable incidents, such as Paul Pierce's ejection and Dwyane Wade inadvertently breaking Rajon Rondo's arm.

2011: Heat Win Eastern Conference Finals Against Bulls

In 2011, the Miami Heat faced the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, winning the series in five games.

2011: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2011, the Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals but lost to the Dallas Mavericks.

2011: Miami Floridians throwback home jerseys donned

The Miami Heat honored the ABA's Miami Floridians by donning throwback uniforms; first the road jerseys in the 2005–06 season, then the home jerseys in the 2011–12 season.

July 11, 2012: Signing of Allen and Lewis

On July 11, 2012, the Miami Heat signed veterans Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.

2012: All-black monochrome uniforms worn

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, and an all-red attire in the 2013–14 season.

2012: Heat and Pacers in Eastern Conference Semifinals

In 2012, the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers had a heated series in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, marked by suspensions, flagrant fouls, and confrontations between players. The Heat won the series 4-2.

2012: Start of Winning Streak

In 2012, the Miami Heat began a record-breaking 27-game winning streak that extended into 2013.

2012: Heat Defeat Celtics En Route to NBA Finals

In 2012, the Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in a closely contested seven-game series in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, ultimately advancing to the NBA Finals. LeBron James had a standout 45-point performance in Game 6.

2012: NBA Championship

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

2012: Monochrome red uniforms worn

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

2012: Variation of home uniforms with gold accents

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.

2012: Heat win back-to-back championships

Under Erik Spoelstra, the Miami Heat reached four consecutive NBA Finals appearances, winning back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

February 3, 2013: Start of Winning Streak

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

March 27, 2013: End of Winning Streak

On March 27, 2013, the Miami Heat's 27-game winning streak came to an end.

May 22, 2013: Heat and Pacers met in the conference finals

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 flagrant fouls and collisions.

2013: Uniforms with player nicknames

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 (e.g. 'King James' for LeBron James).

2013: All-white monochrome uniforms worn

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, and an all-red attire in the 2013–14 season.

2013: Pierce Wishes Heat to Lose During Winning Streak

In 2013, during Miami's winning streak, Paul Pierce publicly stated his desire for Miami to lose all of their remaining games. The season opener against Boston included physical altercations and animosity between players.

2013: Heat Play Bulls in Second Round of NBA Playoffs

In 2013, the Miami Heat played the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Game 2 saw the Heat setting a franchise record for the largest margin of victory, while the Bulls set a record for their worst playoff defeat. There were also multiple ejections and technical fouls during the series.

2013: Back-to-Back NBA Championships

In 2013, the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, won their second consecutive NBA Championship.

2013: Fourth consecutive Finals appearance

In 2013-14 NBA season, the Miami Heat reached their fourth consecutive NBA Finals, ultimately losing to the Spurs.

2013: Last time Heat finished at the top of the Eastern Conference

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

2013: Original black uniforms used as throwbacks

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

2013: Variation of home uniforms with gold lettering

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

2013: Heat win back-to-back championships

Under Erik Spoelstra, the Miami Heat reached four consecutive NBA Finals appearances, winning back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

July 11, 2014: LeBron James Leaves the Heat

On July 11, 2014, LeBron James announced his departure from the Miami Heat to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2014: Udonis Haslem only player left from either team

As of 2014, Udonis Haslem of the Heat was the only player still left from either team that met in 2004 NBA playoffs.

2014: Heat wore sleeved version of "El Heat" black uniforms

From 2008 to 2014, the Miami Heat wore a modified version of their black uniforms, featuring the wordmark "El Heat"; a sleeved version was used in 2014.

2014: All-red monochrome uniforms worn

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, and an all-red attire in the 2013–14 season.

2014: Heat eliminated Pacers in Eastern Conference finals

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

2014: Variation of home uniform worn

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: Heat wore "El Heat" version of their red alternates

For the 2014–15 season, the Miami Heat wore their white uniforms with the "El Heat" wordmark, followed by the Noche Latina version of their red alternates in the 2015–16 season.

2015: Goran and Zoran Dragić join the team

In 2015, Goran Dragić and his younger brother Zoran Dragić joined the Heat.

2015: Variation of all-black uniforms used

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

2015: Compiled 48-34 regular season record

In 2015, the Miami Heat compiled a 48–34 regular season record.

2015: Selected Justise Winslow in NBA draft

In 2015, the Miami Heat were awarded the 10th pick in the NBA draft lottery and selected Duke forward Justise Winslow.

2015: Unveiling of two special uniforms

The 2015–16 season saw the unveiling of two special Miami Heat uniforms: One featured a blend of modern and classic styles (Heat Legacy), while the other is 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 Heat to join 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, career with Heat viewed as over

In September 2016, Chris Bosh failed his physical exam with the Heat and was not cleared to participate in training camp. On September 26, 2016, Heat president Riley stated that he viewed Bosh's career with the team as over.

2016: Departure of the "Big Three"

By 2016, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh had all departed from the Miami Heat, leading the team into a period of rebuilding.

2016: Conference Semifinals Loss & Free Agency Issues

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

2016: Variation of all-white uniforms used

In 2016-17 season, a similarly designed white uniform variation of all-black uniforms was used.

July 4, 2017: Heat waives Bosh, to retire jersey

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

2017: Heat wore black 1988-99 uniforms, updated to Nike cut

During the 2017-18 season, the Miami Heat wore their black 1988–99 uniforms, updated to the current Nike uniform cut, as part of Nike's uniform contract with the NBA.

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: Heat select Bam Adebayo in NBA draft

In the 2017 NBA draft, the Miami Heat selected Bam Adebayo.

2017: Special "City" uniforms introduced

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: Heat Retired Red "HEAT Culture" Uniform

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.

February 8, 2018: Heat reacquire Dwyane Wade

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

2018: Black versions of the Miami Vice uniforms released

For the 2018–19 season, the Miami Heat released black versions of the Miami Vice uniforms. In addition, a pink version of the uniform was unveiled as part of Nike's "Earned" series.

March 2019: Bosh's jersey retired

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

2019: Heat acquired Jimmy Butler, Andre Iguodala, and Jae Crowder

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

2019: Acquisition of Jimmy Butler

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

2019: Pink version of the uniform unveiled

In the 2018-19 season, the Miami Heat unveiled a pink version of the Miami Vice uniform as part of Nike's "Earned" series which were exclusive only to the 16 teams that qualified in the 2018 NBA playoffs. A light blue version of the uniforms was used in the 2019–20 season.

February 2020: Wade's jersey retired

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

October 2020: Lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Finals

In October 2020, the Miami Heat would meet LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, losing in six games.

2020: Finished as sixth seed after short off-season

After a historically short 72-day off-season, the Miami Heat struggled to find consistency in the 2020–21 season, finishing as the sixth seed.

2020: Heat and Celtics in Eastern Conference Finals

From 2020 to 2023, the Heat and the Celtics faced each other in the Eastern Conference finals. In 2020, the Heat won the first meeting.

2020: NBA Finals Appearance

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

2020: Light blue version of the uniforms used

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

2020: Reward after making the 2020 NBA playoffs

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

2021: Finished at the top of the Eastern Conference

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

2021: Miami's 2021 "Earned" Uniform

In 2021, Miami's "Earned" uniform marked 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.

2021: Heat lost to Milwaukee Bucks, acquired Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker

In 2021, the Miami Heat were swept in a first-round rematch with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 2021 off-season saw the departures of Dragić and Iguodala, along with the acquisition of veteran Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker.

2021: Mixed uniform styles used in "City" uniforms

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 a mix of lettering taken from the Heat's previous and current uniform sets, including the throwback Floridians and Miami Vice "City" set.

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, honoring his legacy.

2022: White version of City uniforms

In the 2021-22 season, a white version of the black-based "City" uniforms served as its 2022–23 "City" uniform.

2022: Heat wore white version of uniforms from the 1988-99 era

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

2022: Finished regular season as seventh seed

The Miami Heat finished the 2022–23 regular season as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, qualifying for the play-in tournament; however, they managed to clinch their division title.

2023: Heat and Celtics in Eastern Conference Finals

From 2020 to 2023, the Heat and the Celtics faced each other in the Eastern Conference finals. In 2023, the Heat won the third meeting.

2023: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2023, the Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals.

2023: Heat Win Play-In Tournament to Earn 8th Seed

In 2023, the Miami Heat won the Play-In Tournament against the Bulls to earn the 8th seed for the Eastern Conference.

2023: City Uniform Centered Around "HEAT Culture"

In 2023, the Miami Heat's "City" uniform was centered around the mantra of "HEAT Culture", featuring a black base with the team name in red and "CULTURE" in white letters. The number font was based on the 1988-99 uniforms.

2023: Heat finished as 8th seed again

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

2024: All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest

In 2024, Jaime Jaquez Jr. wore a modified version of the "HEAT Culture" uniform during the All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest, with "EL HEAT CULTURA" emblazoned in front.

2024: Celtics Beat Heat and Win 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 East.

2024: Butler criticized by Riley

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