The Miami Heat still have a season to conclude, but looking ahead to the offseason, which free agents to be should they consider bringing back?
Now that the NBA has comeback with a plan to resume the season, it brings us closer to the question of who the Miami Heat should bring back for next year?
Now, I know we have a long way to go to get to that point and while the players play on the court makes it a lot easier to make that decision, it’s not bad to have options when it gets to that point and that is what Miami has on their hands… options.
Goran Dragic
Goran Dragic isn’t getting any younger but has had a nice role off the bench this year, averaging 16.1 points per game, 5.1 assists per game, 28.4 minutes per game. I’d like to see Dragic back on a one year deal for around $15 million. Then, next summer lock him up for a couple more years, make him a Heat lifer.
Derrick Jones Jr
I am not going to lie, I have a soft spot for Derrick Jones Jr. I remember watching his high school mixtapes, along with his UNLV tape. I always wanted Miami to get him down the line and after the Phoenix Suns waived him, I was happy that Miami jumped on the opportunity.
We all know about his athleticism but this year, he has taken steps to become a legit bench player in the rotation. Miami is in a tough situation with Jones Jr. If he plays well, then he will ask for a nice pay raise and a team like the Chicago Bulls has expressed interest.
Miami does like KZ Okpala and might want to get him playing next year over Jones Jr. But if Jones Jr. struggles coming back off of this layoff, then it might cheaper for Miami to retain him on a maybe somewhat cheap 2-year deal?
The Miami Heat can’t bring back everyone or can they? We don’t know, but they should try with all they have to keep this group together.
Meyers Leonard
If you see have Meyers Leonard on social media you can see how he has become a fan favorite with Miami. But does that mean he should be back?
Yes, but not because he has been a fan favorite. His play on the court this year has been good for Miami and more importantly, the development of Bam Adebayo.
Leonard has gushed about Adebayo’s potential this year and has been in Adebayo’s ear all year as well. Leonard stretches the floor for Miami and that’s big for Jimmy Butler and Adebayo.
Another thing I like about Leonard is that he’s a big body, can defend bigger centers, keeps Adebayo out of early foul trouble, and allows Adebayo to somewhat roam around the perimeter. A one year deal for Leonard would be best.
Jae Crowder
I think all Miami Heat fans want Jae Crowder back but at what price? Crowded is what the Miami Heat Culture is from top to bottom. Crowder is a physical player, works hard, and has that Heat DNA, so retaining him would be ideal for Miami.
Also, defensively, Crowder can get Jimmy Butler a blow, while being able to spread the floor for Miami as well on the other end. A one year deal for 8-10 million would be ideal for Crowder, but he would never accept.
You can’t bring back everyone, but why not try? If they were willing to accept one year deals until the chips fell in the following free-agent class that features Giannis Antetokounmpo, then it may work out for everyone.
Who knows? Just as much as we are looking forward to the end of the season happening, we are looking forward to this free agency period and offseason. It should all be a doozy.