3 free agents that can replace Max Strus on the Miami Heat

Mar 3, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Eric Gordon (10) brings the ball down the court against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Eric Gordon (10) brings the ball down the court against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

With Max Strus likely leaving in free agency (according to most of the reporting), the Miami Heat must look at other options. The tricky thing about 3-point shooters is that everyone in the league is looking for shooting. While the market will be busy, Miami will be limited to signing free agents to veteran-minimum contracts. Still, there could be a few players that could help shore up the Heat’s group of shooters.

Eric Gordon

A 37% career 3-point shooter, Eric Gordon has been a knockdown shooter for his entire career and provides space well behind the 3-point line. He doesn’t have Steph Curry or Damian Lillard range, but he willingly lets it fly from deep. He won’t be coming off screens the way Strus does, but thrives as a catch-and-shoot threat and can replace Strus’s serviceable defense on the other end. After the Clippers waived his $20 million contract, Gordon could be looking for something more than the minimum elsewhere, but the Heat should at least place a call to see if he wants to come play for a contender.

Damion Lee

Damion Lee is just solid. However unspectacular, he just plays mistake-free basketball. His one elite trait is his 3-point shooting. Lee made 44% of his 3s for the Phoenix Suns last season, and has a track record of making shots from his days in Golden State. He’s also a champion, so you know he’d be welcome in Miami’s locker room. Lee can come off screens or stand in the corner to space the floor. If he’s willing to leave Phoenix and come out East, Lee should be high on the Heat’s list.

Danny Green

Heat fans remember Danny Green, but if they can let go of those demons they would realize that Green would be a nice addition in Miami. An ACL injury derailed Green’s 2022-23 campaign and 36-year-old swingman is far from the Spur that torched the Heat in the Finals a decade ago. But Green can still shoot the ball at a high level and would be a respected veteran presence in the locker room.

With Miami likely to lose Strus in free agency, it will have to patch together some shooting in free agency. The Heat are coming off a Finals appearance and always want their shooters to let it fly. I would be using that as a selling point to attract the best shooters on the market.