Miami Heat Free Agency: Let’s look at a few options at every position
By Sam Allen
The Miami Heat have a few on their roster that they should bring back… or will they bring in a small forward off the street?
Small Forward
Jae Crowder
Last Season: 10.5 PPG, 2.5 APG, 5.9 RPG, 40.1 FG%, 34.3 3P%, 77.6 FT%
After this Heat playoff run, I’ve decided to name my first-born child Jimmy, but the second one is going to be named Jae. I love Jae Crowder more than most people in my life, as he makes all the “small plays” that talking heads are always obsessing over.
Miami should definitely bring Crowder back this off-season, his defensive versatility and rebounding were too valuable this year to try and replicate by bringing someone else in. Unless the money difference is too big of an obstacle to overcome, I fully expect to have our other Marquette Alum back in a Heat uniform.
Danilo Gallinari
Last Season: 18.7 PPG, 1.9 APG, 5.2 RPG, 43.8 FG%, 40.5 3P%, 89.3 FT%
Gallinari was close to becoming a Miami Heat member during last season! A potential trade between Miami and Oklahoma City eventually broke down, but it would make sense for Pat Riley to try and rekindle those feelings for Danilo.
The problem has never been talent with the big man, it’s a matter of can he stay healthy. If he can, then he’s a borderline star who could make Miami that much better. If he’s in and out of the lineup with various injuries and ailments though, it would be a waste of a roster spot and cap space.
Derrick Jones Jr.
Last Season: 8.5 PPG, 1.1 APG, 3.9 RPG, 52.7 FG%, 28.0 3P%, 77.2 FT%
When it’s between keeping your homegrown talent or going out and signing a new player, I usually side with keeping your own talent. That’s the case here with DJJ, who had his best year as a pro last season with Miami.
I believe Derrick has the potential to make another leap next season if he can develop his three-point shot. At the very least, he’s another lengthy defender to throw at guys like Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Oladipo.
It would also hurt to watch Derrick in the slam dunk contest and him not have a Miami jersey on. It’s minimal, but I am just being honest and speaking for a lot of us.
Go on, admit it.