Miami Heat: 9 free agents with ties to Jimmy Butler

Free Agent No. 4: Josh Okogie, Forward

Last season, Josh Okogie breathed life back into his career, carving out a small rotation role on the Phoenix Suns and even starting games in the playoffs for the title hopefuls. They have no recourse to re-sign him with non-Bird Rights barely paying him more than the minimum. Instead, Okogie could join with another contender in Miami, reuniting with Butler for the first time since they both played on Minnesota.

Okogie has a plus wingspan and at 6’4″ can defend guards really well and handle bigger wings capably. He isn’t much of a shot creator, but he has worked hard to build his 3-pointer into something more than a massive liability, hitting 33.5% last season on increased volume. He would hop into the Heat’s wing rotation as a useful player and could be had for the Taxpayer MLE, if not less.

Free Agent No. 3: Kendrick Nunn, Point Guard

We boomerang once again, as Kendrick Nunn got his start on the Miami Heat and overlapped with Jimmy Butler before he walked in free agency. The point guard was a development success for the Heat, and after a tough couple of years, it would be a welcome sight from both sides for a former Heat player to return home.

Nunn had an injury-ravaged season in Los Angeles two years ago, but over the last few months of this past year, he shot the ball very well and looked to have much of his movement and athleticism back. He can step back into his old role as the backup point guard if Gabe Vincent walks, and should be available for the Taxpayer MLE or less.