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Miami Heat: 3 reasons why Devin Harris is a perfect fit for the culture

By Brandon Johnson

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 19: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat laughs with Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of the game at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 19: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat laughs with Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of the game at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – MARCH 19: Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets in action during the first half of the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 19: Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets in action during the first half of the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

Retirement Community

Florida, with its indiscernible weather patterns, blood thirsty reptiles and infatuation with firearms, has long been heralded as a state for retirement. The lack of certain state taxes surely bolsters the reasons why the elderly move south and is a trait the Heat have capitalized on in their recruitment of free agents.

For Harris, who is unlikely to earn a big contract in his remaining playable years, signing with the Heat make the most sense monetarily.

Turning 36 in February 2019, Harris is NBA old. In a head-to-head comparison, he’ll always lose out to the younger player in free agency or trade scenarios. It’s why the Mavericks dealt him last season and more than that, it’s a fact of life in the NBA.

Thus, it makes the most sense, contractually, for Harris to sign where he can best amass his riches. Harris avoided such taxes during his stint in Dallas and could continue the trend in Miami.

But more than that, Miami also offers a stellar retirement community as far as NBA teams are concerned. Despite the prevalence of the Heat’s youth movement, Miami has bought into veteran players year after year.

Most recently, Joe Johnson and Luol Deng joined Miami’s ranks, playing key minutes in playoff basketball in 2015-16. Before them, the Heat equipped their lineups with players over the age of 35, including Juwan Howard and Zydrunas Ilgauskas in 2010-11, and Alonzo Mourning and Gary Payton in 2005-2006.

Miami has proved to be a stellar retirement option for players, often yielding the opportunity to continue to contribute one their playing days are over (see: Mourning, Chris Quinn and Juwan Howard).

Next: Miami Heat Roundtable: 2017-18 offseason staff takes

Harris may not be looking for a brand new location for his 2018-19 campaign, but Miami can offer him an inclusive, all expenses paid destination.

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