Heat free agency 2017: 4 wings Miami should target
By Simon Smith
With the 2017 NBA Draft in the books, the Miami Heat now set their sights on free agency, and the wing players they wish to target.
Last Thursday, the Miami Heat turned heads with their selection of Bam Adebayo with their first round selection, the 14th overall in the 2107 NBA Draft. Now the Heat turns their attention to free agency, with several big names expected to be target by team president Pat Riley and his staff.
The Heat, of course, have some decisions to make with some of their own free agent’s.
Dion Waiters flourished as the season progressed in his first year with the Heat, averaging 15.8 points and 4.3 assists over 46 games.
James Johnson, also in his first season with the Heat, emerged as one of the premier sixth men in the league, with his versatility at both ends of the floor proving to be an invaluable asset.
When Riley was asked recently if he would be satisfied with an offseason of simply re-signing Waiters and Johnson, he responded (per the Palm Beach Post):
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"“Yes, I would. We’re working on that, talking about that.”"
But money talks. And while Waiters and Johnson both love Miami and would love to stay, they’ve recently said as much as only if the price is right.
Firstly Johnson (per the South Florida Sun-Sentinel):
"“I love this place so much and the opportunity they gave me. I couldn’t thank them enough….you know the love I have for this team is up there. But it’s just something I got to let the agent and Pat [Riley] discuss and try to figure out, and then just give my last say so at the end.”"
And Waiters:
"“It depends. Yeah, I would, though. But, like I said, it depends, just being the right thing, at the right time. It’s just got to be right. It’s got to be equal. I’ll leave that to my agent, that’s his job. I just try to work out and work on my game.”"
Riley understands the landscape as well as anyone, and will be well aware that anything can happen once prospective free agent’s meet with rival teams. This season, Waiters made $2.9 million and Johnson $4 million. For Johnson especially, this likely represents his last chance at a big pay-day.
Therefore, Riley and his front office are going to need to keep themselves open to all options come July.
With this in mind, here are the wing targets the Heat should consider targeting this summer.