The Miami Heat will be players in the buyout market once it gets to that time of the season. Miami definitely needs another body coming off the bench.
They are putting a lot of stock in Gabe Vincent as the backup point guard, while they probably need another wing and perhaps, even a big man. The buyout market might help them out, regardless of if Vincent is doing a solid job as the backup point or not.
It’s always better to have options come playoff time. Here are some potential options for them.
Kevin Love
I have never been a fan of Kevin Love‘s game but at this point, if Miami could get him for free, then it’s worth the shot. Love can still shoot the ball and is a smart passer.
Love has never been a defender in his life but with Bam Adebayo on the floor, his issues could be helped. The more options at the four, the better for Miami.
Plus, Love has playoff experience. Love would be brought in to space the floor for Jimmy Butler and Adebayo.
Miami Heat: Buyout Candidates To Keep An Eye On – A PG And A Monster
To the fact of whether Gabe Vincent is the guy for the backup point guard or not, perhaps this should be an option?
Ricky Rubio
Ricky Rubio is set to become a free agent next offseason. He’s in Cleveland this year and if things go sour for them, a trade or a buyout is, likely, in the cards.
Rubio as a backup point would be huge for Miami. He knows how to run the offense.
He is still a solid defender and though, yeah, he could never really learn how to shoot it with great mechanics, as long as the ball goes in more than it doesn’t, it’s a plus. I love the idea of Rubio being a backup for Miami.
Montrezl Harrell
I know the Wizards made some moves this offseason but on any day, Bradley Beal could ask for a trade and the whole ship sinks for Washington. If Montrezl Harrell were to get bought out, then I think Miami would have interest.
Harrell hasn’t showed up in the playoffs but if anyone can put him in better positions to do so, then it’s Coach Erik Spoelstra. We all know what Harrell brings to the court and that’s nothing but energy.
Even if he only played 12 minute’s a game, he’s the type of guy to take that and put up numbers to swing a series. That’s why it’s worth the look.
Miami Heat: Buyout Candidates To Keep An Eye On – Culture Fit & A Do-It-All Big
Patrick Beverley is currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves, after a couple years on the Los Angeles Clippers.
Patrick Beverley
Minnesota is trying to win now but out west, I don’t think they will be for real yet. If Minnesota can’t find a trade for Beverley, then a buyout could be in the cards.
Beverley has history with Miami back in 2011, but they picked Eddie House over him. But, Beverley would do well, still, in coming to Miami.
He fits the Heat Culture to a T, while having Kyle Lowry and Beverley at point would annoy the hell out of any other team. That’s, also, just what Miami wants.
Derrick Favors
Derrick Favors has two years left on his contract at about nine million a year. Favors, however, got traded this past offseason to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
GM Sam Presti will look to trade Favors this year and Presti isn’t usually one to not get something back in return for a player. Look at how many picks Oklahoma City has over the next couple of years.
Not likely to be bought out but if it were to happen, them Miami should be all over this. Favors being a back up to Bam Adebayo would give Miami rim protection when Adebayo is out of the game.
Honestly, Miami should be praying for Favors to be bought out, but it’s probably not likely.
Miami Heat: Buyout Candidates To Keep An Eye On – Ultimate Role Guys
Sticking with the theme of power forwards, this next guy is another guy who could help board and block some shots.
Tristian Thompson
Tristan Thompson is now with the Sacramento Kings, believe it or not. Will Thompson finish the rest of his season in Sacramento?
I am not a betting man, but I’d say no to that. Thompson wasn’t good last year for the Boston Celtics, but that whole team was a mess last year from the top down.
He will probably get a buyout and if you are Miami, why not take a chance on Thompson as an extra big? Thompson can still rebound well and has playoff experience.
Again, if they brought him in for depth, you can’t mind the move.
D.J Augustin
D.J. Augustin has always killed the Miami Heat, it feels like. Currently with the Houston Rockets, they are a team that’s in total rebuild mode.
Augustin could have a trade market as a backup point. If he is bought out, then this is another guy Miami should take a look at.
Augustin can still shoot the ball at a high level, shooting 38 percent last season from range. Augustin does have some random playoff moments too.
Remember his Game One against the Toronto Raptors? If Augustin could give you that for one game, it’s worth it in the postseason.
Miami Heat: Buyout Candidates To Keep An Eye On – Ultimate Wild Card
For all the talk about Bradley Beal, his former running mate might be made available.
John Wall
Yes, I know, John Wall is due a lot of money over the next two years. To be exact, he is due $44.31 million in 2021-22.
He has a player option in 2022-23 which, if exercised, would pay him $47.37 million that year. Like I said before, Houston is in rebuild mode.
What is the point of having Wall on the team, when Houston has Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr, and Josh Christopher as their young guards?
That’s not to mention that Eric Gordon is still on the roster, as is D.J Augustin. If you are Wall, that is a lot of money for a buyout.
I would be stunned if Houston could find a trade partner for Wall though as well, as that contract is just too big. I think if you are Miami, you have to take a look at Wall if he were to become a free agent.
Especially, if Victor Oladipo doesn’t look healthy or takes a step back. Hopefully that is not the case for Oladipo, who is a big X factor for Miami this season.
But, you always have to have your eyes looking just in case. Could Wall be the new Derrick Rose?
Coming off the bench and putting up points for a team’s second team, is that what’s next for Wall? Being in Miami would really help his career.
If Miami wants to be for real on the buyout market, then they have to look at Wall if he is playing well. Kyle Lowry and Wall as Miami’s two point guards would be something else.
All options for the postseason have to be looked at. Again, Wall at a wicked low price is worth the risk.
I hope Gabe Vincent is Miami’s backup point guard for the whole season. At the same time Miami is in win now mode and has to have everything on the table when buyout market time comes.
Adding another big off the bench for a, hopeful, Finals run wouldn’t be terrible for Miami either. It’ll all be determined based on how the season plays out, but these are some guys to watch.