The 2021 NBA Draft night went by without any moves from the Miami Heat. The Heat had the opportunity to use their available $5.6 million cash to buy a second-round pick but didn’t. Instead, they signed some undrafted players after the draft. While some fans may be disappointed in the lack of movement, the offseason isn’t over yet. Miami’s next opportunity comes tomorrow with free agency opening up.
Once the clock hits 6 pm eastern, the Heat will pursue Toronto Raptors free agent guard Kyle Lowry. This will be the team’s second attempt at Lowry. Other teams such as the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans will also be in pursuit. Both the Mavericks and the Pelicans have become serious suitors after making trades to open up cap space. Out of all teams, Miami seems to be viewed as the front-runner to sign Lowry according to Grant Afseth of Sports Illustrated.
The Miami Heat currently are viewed as the front-runner to sign veteran point guard Kyle Lowry in free agency, a league source tells @MavericksSI.
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) July 31, 2021
The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans remain serious suitors for Lowry’s services.
Lowry’s friendship with Jimmy Butler seems to be one of the leading factors why. Both players are long-time friends with Butler naming Lowry the Godfather of his child. Miami is looking to upgrade its backcourt and Lowry fits the bill. Lowry will ease the playmaking duties of Butler and would be a great fit with Bam Adebayo in the pick and roll action. Lowry is still a good defender at this stage and could hold his own at the point of attack. This past season, he averaged 17.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from downtown.
The Cost?
The free-agent guard is reportedly seeking a three-year $90 million deal from interested teams. It’s certainly a high price for an aging point guard. Miami could use their cap space to sign Lowry outright. That’s assuming they decline the team options on Andre Igoudala ($15 million) and Goran Dragic ($19.4 million). The team is currently expected to have $20 million available in cap room. However, the more likely option would be to sign Lowry through a sign-and-trade.
Still, the final decision is up to Lowry. He certainly has attractive options with Dallas and New Orleans, who both can sign him outright. We’ll see if Lowry decides to join his buddy Butler in Miami.
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