Miami Heat exercise fourth-year option on Justise Winslow

Heading into his third year in the NBA, Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow has an important season in front of him.

The Miami Heat have exercised their fourth-year team option on Justise Winslow, the team announced. Winslow’s salary for next season is worth $3.5 million, and will be the last season before becoming a restricted free agent.

Winslow, the 10th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, had his second season was cut short after just 18 games after undergoing surgery to repair the labrum in his left shoulder. He was averaging 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 34.7 minutes per game, but struggled with his shot, making just 35.6 percent of his field goals and just 20 percent from 3-point range.

According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Winslow is “determined” to improve his shooting, and Jackson’s source says the team has been impressed with his development, including in regards to his shot.

Winslow is expected to compete with Josh Richardson and Rodney McGruder for the starting small forward job this season. He may be better off playing in the second unit, where he can be paired with a shooter like Kelly Olynyk who can better space the floor. Richardson, with his outside shooting and defensive length, seems like an ideal fit in the starting lineup.

Richardson recently signed a four-year extension with the Heat. Despite being selected in the same draft, Winslow was not up for a similar extension, since first-round pick contracts are for four years, while second-round picks (like Richardson) are signed to three-year deals.

This is a big season for Winslow, who not only has to bounce back from injury, but also show where he fits into Miami’s long term plans. His defensive abilities are clear. Winslow has a rare blend of size, athleticism and defensive instincts that give him a ton of upside.

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However, his shooting has to improve. If it doesn’t, his role will be limited. He doesn’t need to be Klay Thompson from the arc, but if he can find a way to shoot between 30-35 percent, that would at least garner the respect of the defense.