Now that the new league here has begun, Pelle Larsson is officially contract extension eligible.
The standout wing is eligible to sign a four-year extension with the Heat that could be worth up to $93 million. As the Heat prepares to celebrate Giannis Antetokounmpo trade day, they may have their next $100 million question already on their hands.
With all the moving parts and financial hurdles that the Heat are having to get through with Giannis, it's unlikely that they would quickly move toward agreeing to an extension with Larsson. Even less so as long as Nikola Jovic's contract is still on the books.
The timing of a Pelle Larsson extension with the Heat could be tricky
Nevertheless, it's something that could be discussed as of today. And if the Heat believe that Larsson is going to make another leap this upcoming season, perhaps it's a road they should look to cross sooner rather than later.
But, again, the team's current financial situation could make an extension for Larsson that much more of a complicated situation than it should be. In theory, there's no question that Larsson is deserving of an extension. It's the cost of it that will make this complicated.
As things currently stand for the Heat, it would be quite shocking if Larsson wasn't considered a big part of what they're building around Giannis and Bam Adebayo. However, just because that is the case, that also doesn't mean they're going to rush to offer an extension to Larsson.
Because they just can't. I'm sure at some point the Heat are going to address it, but there are other things already in motion that need to be settled before Miami has the luxury of negotiating an extension with Larsson.
And, honestly, especially how things went south quickly with Jovic after his extension, that may be for the best. Larsson has certainly proven to be the better (and most consistent) player compared to Jovic, but there is still a level of risk that will be in play for the Heat.
Things will surely fall into place on the Larsson front, but there's certainly no risk at the moment. That said, if the Heat takes this into next summer, Larsson will be able to sign an offer sheet with another team in restricted free agency.
Even though the Heat would still have the opportunity to match any offer, it would certainly make the chances of retaining Larsson that much more sticky.
Much will be decided on the Larsson front over the next few months, but as of today, the new league year, the Heat is officially on the clock.
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