Miami Heat: 3 biggest threats to steal Derrick Jones Jr in free agency

Are the Miami Heat and Derrick Jones Jr headed for divorce? A look at the three biggest threats to steal him in free agency.

The only topic more controversial than the Miami Heat’s 2021 free agency plan is how they’re going to approach free agency this offseason. Specifically in regards to Derrick Jones Jr, who’s going to be an unrestricted free agent following the season’s finish in Orlando.

With six pending free agents, the Heat are going to have some hard decisions to make. It’s unlikely they bring them all back to South Beach next season, especially given the team’s longterm goals.

But in terms of priority, expect Jones to be near the top (if not at the top) of that list. He’s in his second full season with Miami and becoming much more than a flashy dunk artist. Jones is averaging 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game this year.

Despite his poor shooting from deep (27 percent this season), the forward’s development on the defensive end should keep him atop many teams free agency big boards.

Jones is only 23 years old, and while he could out price Pat Riley‘s budget this offseason, won’t be that expensive to teams with the cash to spend. Let’s take a look at the three biggest threats to luring the Heat’s prized youth out of Miami come free agency.