This is the fourth day of NBA free agency. So far, the Miami Heat re-signed Goran Dragic, Meyers Leonard, and Udonis Haslem. They lost Jae Crowder and Derrick Jones Jr to bigger offers. To replace the two players, they added Avery Bradley and Moe Harkless. While the moves may not be exciting to some, it’s clear Miami remains focused on 2021.
The signings of Dragic, Leonard, Bradley, and Harkless all involve contracts that are only guaranteed for the upcoming season. The second years of those deals are all team options. If the Heat decides to exercise the options of Leonard, Dragic, and Andre Iguodala next summer before free agency starts, they could then potentially be used in a sign-and-trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who hasn’t signed his extension. The team could also create an open max slot if Bam Adebayo doesn’t sign his extension.
Although it would’ve been nice to add Danilo Gallinari or Serge Ibaka, it’s not the end of the world that they didn’t. Pat Riley and the Heat are focused on building a potential dynasty team. With cap space for a deep 2021 free agency class, Miami will have the opportunity to land another star player. Why mess that chance up?
Remember back in 2007 when the idea of creating a big three in Miami first started? Well, Miami almost ruined that chance in 2009. During the 2009 free agency, the team went after Lamar Odom. They also tried to acquire Carlos Boozer through a trade. Had they acquired both, the 2010 plan would’ve been ruined. There would’ve been no LeBron James or Chris Bosh in Miami. And no championship celebrations in 2012 and 2013 either.
So Heat fans, remain patient. A better opportunity could be on the horizon. As the saying goes, all good things come to those who wait.
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