Money plays a major factor in free agency. Other teams throwing out big contracts could be the reason why some players leave the Miami Heat.
9. Kendrick Nunn
As mentioned, Kendrick Nunn is supposedly going to get some big-time offers this summer. The Miami Heat have some cap space, but will likely choose to spend it elsewhere.
Nunn has played well during his two years with the Heat, but paying him a ton of money wouldn’t be worth it. The team already has too much money invested in other players.
8. Victor Oladipo
Victor Oladipo’s short stint with the Miami Heat may seem over, but nothing’s impossible. The high price tag could sway the team to go in a different direction, but there could be a deal to be made.
If Oladipo agrees to a smaller deal, he would be a much better option than Nunn in terms of throwing out big-time money. Other than that, however, there’s no way the Heat give him a max contract.
7. Nemanja Bjelica
Nemanja Bjelica was supposed to replace the production Kelly Olynyk brought to the table. Unfortunately, it did not work out that way.
He has reportedly already gotten some interest from teams overseas. Unless he really wants to come back to the Miami Heat for the veteran minimum, he’ll probably be somewhere else next season.
6. Max Strus
Max Strus is an interesting case due to his potential as a shooter. At only 25 years old, he still has plenty of room to grow.
The only problem with that idea is that the Miami Heat already have an elite shooter in Duncan Robinson on the roster. If Robinson leaves, maybe they’ll re-sign Strus, other than that, they’ll probably bring in a veteran guy over him.
5. Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon was great for the Miami Heat. His role as the backup center behind Bam Adebayo is perfect for him in this stage of his career.
The only reason he’s not more likely to come back is because he played so well. Other teams could try to pry him away from Miami this offseason.