Miami Heat: Has the offseason been a failure?

The offseason has been full of twists and turns for the Miami Heat, but has it been a failure thus far?

Summer is in full swing for the NBA, and free agency has been nothing short of mind-boggling so far. With changes like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah teaming up with the New York Knicks, and Kevin Durant heading over to the Golden State Warriors, moves across the league have fans’ heads spinning.

The Miami Heat are no exception, either.

First, there was Hassan Whiteside, who chose to re-sign over leaving for the Dallas Mavericks. Then of course came probably the biggest shock of all: Dwyane Wade deciding to join the Bulls. Followed by a multitude of other surprises such as the signing of Derrick Williams and James Johnson, matching Tyler Johnson’s offer sheet from the Brooklyn Nets and keeping around the definition of #HeatLyfer himself, Udonis Haslem.

This offseason has without a doubt been a whirlwind for the Heat, but what Heat Nation has been debating over is whether it has been positive, or a total failure.

Pros

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Getting Whiteside to stick around is a huge deal. Although it seemed pretty likely that the big man would indeed re-sign with Miami, you never know. He certainly conveyed wanting to stay in South Beach, but there was obviously more to his decision than that; a huge part of which was the financial aspect of it all. After so many years of being overlooked, Whiteside was ready for a large payday. But the Heat were not outspoken regarding how much they were willing to pay him. And that, coupled with the fact that the organization was gunning for Durant, left fans unsure of what Whiteside’s future would hold. Fortunately though, president Pat Riley understood the importance of moving forward with the center, Durant or not. So, Whiteside remains.

Matching Tyler Johnson’s offer from Brooklyn is also a definite win. While some say Miami overpaid him, it should be worth it in the end; especially given how his contract works. The guard might indeed make $50 million overall, but his salary during the first two years is much less than the last two. This not only gives him time to develop further, but also provides the Heat some flexibility until year three of his contract. Heat Nation should absolutely be excited that Johnson will be back next year, as his potential is through the roof.

Riley also managed to get some guys on short-term contracts, which is never a bad idea. Williams signed a one-year, $5 million deal, with Johnson taking $4 million. Wayne Ellington is on a two-year, $12 million deal, while Willie Reed is also under contract for two years. And Rodney McGruder is set for three years, partially guaranteed.

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Which of course leads into Haslem, a guy that is essential to the team. He may not perform in quite the same manner on the court, but the 36-year-old is the heart and soul of the Heat. And to have lost him, would have been hard to swallow. The veteran is returning on a one-year, $4 million contact.

Cons

Miami lost Wade. Which was probably the worst thing that could have happened to the organization. Yes, fans are already preparing for his return at some point, as the idea of Flash finishing his career out anywhere other than South Beach is just wrong. But for now, the team is without him. And that is brutal. It hurts them in terms of missing great talent on the floor, and it destroys them in the way that they are now without the very face of the franchise; without Wade, the organization is simply not the same. The Heat have no choice to move on from his departure, but they may never truly get over it. This con may just negate all of the previously mentioned pros.

Additionally, Riley has acquired some questionable guys. For example, from the list above: Williams. Then there was trading a protected draft pick and cash for Luke Babbit.

must read: Miami Heat: Should they trade for Russell Westbrook?

To call the entire summer a failure so far would be harsh. But short of keeping around both Whiteside and Johnson, things have not been so sunny in South Beach as of late. The loss of Wade has cast a dark cloud, one that for most, is hard to see past.

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