Pat Riley’s emphasis on 2021 cap space limits the Heat this off-season, but bringing back Crowder gives the bulk of the core that made a Finals run another go.
Pat Riley and the Miami Heat are rightfully sticking to their guns regarding 2021 cap space. The plan has been in place for years to swing for the fences during the 2021 offseason that is loaded with free agents.
This isn’t a normal free-agent class either. It’s one that could be franchise-altering for the big winners.
Inevitably, sticking to the original plan does restrict the Heat in making significant improvements for the upcoming season. The good news is this.
Miami doesn’t need to make drastic changes to have another shot at the championship. Remember, Crowder and Iguodala were dealt to the Heat mid-season.
Then there was the long break before finishing the year. The core group that led the Heat on their finals run didn’t have that much time to figure things out before they produced.
Given the alternatives to bringing Crowder back, it makes much more sense to re-sign him and see what this group can do with the added time together.