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Miami Heat to get extra two-way slot, plus RFA changes that could impact their offseason

By Aaron Washington

Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat speaks with Jamal Cain #8 during the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat speaks with Jamal Cain #8 during the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 25: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat looks on during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 25: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat looks on during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Decrease in RFA Matching Period from Two Days to One

This change might not play a part for the Heat this offseason, but it could come into play at some point soon.

Just as a refresher, first rounders who complete their first four seasons without being cut or signing a new contract enter what is called restricted free agency (RFA) if their team submits what is called a qualifying offer.

Opposing teams are allowed to make an offer to the free agent, but the team that holds the rights to said player can decide to match the offer. (If Tyler Herro had not been extended prior to the start of the regular season, this is where he’d be headed in a few months.)

Currently, teams have up to two days to match an opposing offer sheet. In this new CBA, the window has been shortened to one day.

In the current structure, teams such as the Heat have shied away from submitting those offer sheets to outside restricted free agents because they did not want their cap room “tied up” in a player whose team may or may not match. Forty-eight hours in the free agent market is enough time for several other unrestricted free agent targets to sign elsewhere.

By shortening the matching window, it is possible this subtle adjustment could renew the Heat’s desire to pursue restricted free agents who, under the previous rules, may not have been worth the risk.

Upcoming 2023 RFAs include Grant Williams, Cameron Johnson, P.J. Washington, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Cam Reddish. Some of these players were rumored to be targets of the Heat’s front office in the past, so this could be something to monitor as we move through June and July.

Next. Injuries could cost Heat another starter. dark

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