The Miami Heat are on the verge of promptly being swept from the NBA Playoffs. In just their opening round series against a team that they beat last season in the Orlando Bubble, the Milwaukee Bucks, they have been dominated across the last two games.
Losing Game 1, the game they had a chance to steal in Milwaukee and on a tough but highly-contested mid-ranged jumper from Khris Middleton, it’s been all downhill for Miami since. In the two games since then, they’ve been mauled and to the point where the games weren’t even that close.
On the heels of those two disappointed losses and a third when counting the back-breaking manner of Game 1’s defeat, there is more news and it isn’t good if you are into getting the band back together. According to John Hollinger of The Athletic (Subscription required), the Miami Heat’s starting two-guard to close the season and open the playoffs, Kendrick Nunn, will likely receive offers that hover around ” $15 million a year“.
The Miami Heat have work to do this offseason and they can’t get it done if they pay Kendrick Nunn the $15 million per that’s being reported.
While it was to be expected to be over $10M per, even that would have been tough for the Miami Heat, knowing that they have to keep Duncan Robinson and while also trying to upgrade this roster. And at this point, it’s clear as it’s been all season now, this roster needs to be upgraded.
Here’s what it all boils down to. Kendrick Nunn is a good little player with the right pieces around him.
He’s been manhandled , at times, by the size, girth, tenacity, and physicality of Jrue Holiday in the playoffs though. He’s too small to be the starting two-guard on a championship caliber team at the moment, because of his overall defensive deficiencies.
That’s not to say he can’t get better and stronger there, it’s just that at this moment, he’s what he is and that would still cost your team $15 million a year. It’s too much for what looks like a liability for Miami at the moment.
Also, the Miami Heat will need to bring in some guard help and that’s even if they keep him. Take that money and land a guy that can play the point and slide down to the two, when it calls for it.
Whether that be Derrick Rose, Kyle Lowry, or someone else, there are other guys who can help more and might not cost quite as much, but even if they do, make you more comfortable with paying the fee. Also, you must consider this.
The Miami Heat will likely want to upgrade other areas, such as the wings, the big position (hopefully they can keep Dewayne Dedmon in tow), while again, also holding on to Duncan Robinson, who is also sure to get a nice pay raise. As unfortunate as it may seem, that’s why at the potential $15 million per year for K.Nunn that’s being reported, he probably won’t be in Miami beyond these playoffs.