The Miami Heat have two All-Stars in their starting lineup in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. They create a one-two punch on the defensive end of the floor that can rival any other team in the league.
Duncan Robinson holds down the shooting guard position well, and the team will likely search for a point guard this offseason via trade or free agency.
This leaves one position unfilled in the starting lineup – power forward. They have had some decent players take up this spot in the past two years, but it’s usually just a veteran player.
Kelly Olynyk, Jae Crowder, and Trevor Ariza all filled this role for the past couple of seasons. They played well, but none are currently under contract with the team anymore.
There’s no need for a superstar at the position, but finding a quality player should be a priority for the Miami Heat. All the player has to be able to do is play starter minutes in a limited role.
As evidenced by the previous players who played a role, a veteran is the most likely target. Someone who can either stretch the floor, play solid defense, or do both would be ideal.
Replacing Crowder’s energy or Olynyk’s shooting is unlikely, but a player of their caliber shouldn’t be too hard to find. There are plenty of options in this year’s free agency class.
So, who should the Miami Heat target in free agency this offseason to fill the void at the power forward position?
Jeff Green’s all-around game would fit in perfectly with the Miami Heat.
Jeff Green has always been a player teams love to have on their team. So much so that he has played for 10 different organizations throughout his 13-year NBA career.
He spent last season playing a crucial role with the Brooklyn Nets. He was a perfect complimentary piece next to their star players.
Though he’s never been an amazing defender, Green can certainly hold his own on that end of the floor. At 6-8, he can guard power forwards and small forwards alike.
Last year, he averaged 11 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He shot 49.2% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range.
His ability to stretch the floor is what makes him such an enticing player. He would slot in perfectly next to Adebayo in the Miami Heat’s frontcourt.
In addition, Green’s athleticism allows him to finish around the rim fairly well. The veteran forward may be turning 35 soon, but he can still attack the rim well for his age.
The Brooklyn Nets will likely do everything they can to bring Green back. He played a super important role on their team last year.
However, if the Miami Heat can sway Green with a larger contract, maybe around $6-$9 million, the Nets might not have enough to match that type of deal.
Nicolas Batum had a resurgence last year and would provide a great two-way presence at the four for the Miami Heat.
Nicolas Batum had a great bounce-back season last year with the Los Angeles Clippers. After some disappointing years in Charlotte, he finally showed his value again last season.
His versatility on the defensive end is one of his best skills. At 6-8, he can effectively guard the perimeter and the paint.
Batum even spent some time at the center for the Clippers. His versatility gives him the ability to play at the three, four, or even as a small-ball five.
Offensively, Batum has the ability to stretch the floor. He had some rough shooting years with the Hornets but shot the ball at an elite level last season in LA.
He averaged 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season while shooting 46.4% from the field and 40.4% from deep.
His ability to playmake is another enticing part of his game. Batum could act as a secondary playmaker behind Jimmy Butler.
The Clippers will likely make a big-time push to keep him around, but the Miami Heat should at least make him an offer. Anywhere from $5-$8 million could be enough to pry him away.
JaMychal Green’s great three-point shooting would space the floor beautifully for the Miami Heat.
JaMychal Green does a little bit of everything on the court. At 6-8 and roughly 230 pounds, he’s built perfectly to play the power forward position.
He has played for both the Clippers and Nuggets in recent years, playing anywhere from 19-22 minutes per game. That’s the exact role he would have on the Miami Heat.
He’s a solid defender who plays with solid physicality. Most importantly, though, he can stretch the floor super well.
He has shot 38% or better from three-point range in each of the last three seasons. This efficiency has come on at roughly three attempts per game, too.
Last year for the Nuggets, he averaged 8.1 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 46.3% from the field and 39.99% from three-point range. He played 19.3 minutes per game.
This sort of production is exactly what the Miami Heat should be looking for this offseason. They just need someone who can play their role well, and Green does just that.
Green’s ability to space the floor would open up the game for Butler and Adebayo super well. It’s what the team has been missing ever since Olynyk left.
Depending on how badly the Nuggets want him back, the Miami Heat likely wouldn’t have to pay too much to bring in Green. A $3-$5 million contract should be able to entice the 31-year-old forward.