The Heat, for the first time in franchise history, entered the season as the defending NBA champions, having defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the 2006 NBA Finals in six games.
On January 3, 2007, head coach Pat Riley took a leave of absence citing hip and knee problems and was replaced by Ron Rothstein.
Despite injuries to several players, including Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, the Heat repeated as Southeast division champions.
[citation needed] The Heat ended the season with a four-game playoff loss in a sweep to the Chicago Bulls in the first round and the Heat became the first defending NBA champions since the Philadelphia Warriors back in 1957 to be swept in the first round.
The Miami Heat had no selections in the 2006 NBA draft after the following trades: Roster Last transaction: February 1, 2007 October:4-4 Miami Heat 101 Oklahoma City Thunder 88 1–0 Dwyane Wade 57 Points Miami Heat 368 Brooklyn Nets 367 2–0 Dwyane Wade 204 points Berekia Kabamba 108 points