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J.R. Smith and 4 other free agents who can improve the Heat’s 3-point shooting

By Joseph Zapata

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Charlotte Hornets won 100-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Charlotte Hornets won 100-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Nicolas Batum

Personally, outside of LeBron or Durant, I think Batum is the best free agent the Heat could possibly sign this off-season. Not only is Batum a capable three point shooter, but he’s also young (27), long and can play both sides of the court.

Batum is a solid overall player who know’s how to fill up a box score. He’s a career 36 percent three-point shooter, but he brings a lot more to the table than just his outside presence. In 2016, he averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists.

The versatile forward would be a great overall addition to this team, and he would allow the Heat to spread the floor without worrying about him being a defensive liability. However, being only 27 years old and coming off a career year, Batum might be too expensive of an option for the Heat if they’re looking to sign both Wade and Whiteside to near-max deals.

Next: 4. Pipe

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