The Miami Heat have been known to pull off a miraculous deal or two, here or there. They get this done by being nifty, crafty, and resourceful where they can.
The Miami Heat have seemingly been in salary-cap purgatory over the last few seasons. This unfortunate situation has seen them have to become very crafty, resourceful and efficient in the way in which they’ve gone about building their roster.
They haven’t been shy about making educated trades, rejuvenating rehabilitative type signings, and minimal money signings with the hopes of maximum contribution. While they found a way to squeeze Jimmy Butler onto the books over the summer, they have typically gone the frivolous route to building their roster. Here are three of the best deals that the Miami Heat have on their books.
1. Jimmy Butler
Since we are talking about the enigmatic wingman, who may or may not be that way in all actuality based on his introductory press conference declaration that he is not the “As*ho*e” that everyone thinks he is, we may as well include him. Well, it isn’t for that reason alone that we include him on this list.
Some of you are probably scratching your heads right now considering that Butler’s deal is of the 4 year and $140 million variety, but hear this. Pat Riley got this deal accomplished with practically no assets, no cap space, and no hope according to experts and opposing fanbases around the league who were sure to make that known prior to the free-agent signing period.
When you also consider that the Miami Heat needed a superstar to bring some star power to the unit in the worst way, you have to include Butler’s deal here. Although it wouldn’t make the cut for being crafty, nifty, resourceful, or ahead of one’s time based on market value, it does because of the necessity of the player that it belongs to.
2. Derrick Jones Jr.
This one was pretty easy to determine. When you look at Derrick Jones Jr. and his salary of $1.6 million, it is a heck of a deal for the Miami Heat. The young forward is an athletic freak, with a very versatile skill set.
Although he is still refining those skills, what he brings to this Miami Heat team is somewhat invaluable. He offers a capability that can’t be matched on any given sequence. He can get up and finish at points where few other NBA players can elevate to.
His offerings to the team go beyond just his leaping ability though, as his athleticism translates to the way he is able to move about the floor as well. He is a long and nimble athlete that is capable of guarding all five positions in spurts. That is why Airplane Mode is second on the list of the best contracts on the Miami Heat’s payroll.
3. Bam Adebayo
This one is a bit of standard business, but he is a value nevertheless. Although Bam Adebayo’s contract is at a slotted standard amount at the moment, he is simply outplaying his rookie deal.
Not only was Adebayo a key asset during last year as he played over Hassan Whiteside towards the back end of last season, but he appears in line for a major role heading into this season. As mentioned earlier, this is what you hope for when you take a player in the first round of the NBA draft, but he is still worth every penny and a little bit more.
Adebayo has only scratched the surface of what he could be and the Heat have the opportunity to have him locked up for the next three seasons including this one that’s upcoming at a very reasonable number relative to what he provides. That is why Bam Adebayo is third on this list.
The Miami Heat have been trying to get their financials in a manageable situation for at least a few years now. It appears that relief is finally on the way as early as next season, with even more currently slated to come in the following season. Even as they have that on the horizon though, they’ve managed to put together a pretty good roster that happens to include quite a few good deals.