Miami Heat: 3 biggest threats to steal Derrick Jones Jr in free agency
The Atlanta Hawks need for defense and total cap space make them the biggest threat to stealing Derrick Jones Jr out of Miami.
Trae Young throwing lobs to Derrick Jones Jr almost makes too much sense to not discuss.
Come this offseason, the Atlanta Hawks will be looking to throw some sort of lucrative contract at any free agent that will listen. Young made it clear last year that he was getting tired of the club’s losing ways, so making some sort of free agency splash will be necessary for the team.
Jones may not seem that “big splash” on paper, but could fill a big hole for this Hawks team as constructed. Not only is he a more than qualified lob target, but the 23-year old forward is growing into somewhat of an astute defender now in his fifth NBA season.
Per NBA.com, only the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards are posting a worse defensive rating than the Hawks this year. Atlanta also allowed the most points in the paint this season, at 53.6 per game. So, they made a mid-season acquisition for big man Clint Capela.
The big man has yet to suit up for the Hawks, but it’s clear the team is making a concerted effort to get better on defense. Adding the high-flying Jones would fit that mo. Could they offer a contract that will put the forward out of Pat Riley’s price range?
Next. 4 Free Agents that Miami Should Take a Look at. dark
One thing is certain about the Miami Heat’s upcoming offseason: they’re going to have competition for Derrick Jones Jr, as well as the other in house guys headed for free agency.
With Pat Riley and the team’s longterm goal ultimately being another championship, the club will have to take a hard look at Jones and how much of a pay raise they can offer in his next contract.