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Miami Heat: Grading The Offseason

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball in the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball in the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) takes a breather during the first half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Flashback

The Heat nabbed the potential steal of the draft in Justise Winslow and they quickly agreed to a deal with Dragic, preventing the Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks from making an offer. But none of this summer’s moves would have mattered without Dwyane Wade re-signing, both for team morale and basketball reasons.

At 33 years old, this three-time champ has never been the highest paid player on the Heat — despite being the greatest player in the franchise’s history. He sacrificed money last summer by opting out of the remaining two years and $41 million on his contract, so earning $20 million on a one-year deal helps make him whole in that respect.

Last season, Wade was as effective as ever when he was healthy, averaging 21.5 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 47 percent from the field. When he’s at 100 percent, Wade is still one of the most dynamic shooting guards in the NBA, even with his athleticism waning.

Unfortunately, the biggest problem for Wade has been staying healthy. Flash has missed at least 13 games in each of his last four seasons and Father Time certainly isn’t about to give up now. Bringing in Dragic helps alleviate the pressure on Wade to produce, and if Miami can keep him healthy for the postseason, the Heat will be in good shape.

But even in the depressing scenario where Wade’s body breaks down, the Heat also avoided signing him to a long-term deal by giving him this one-year contract. Wade makes his max money and the Heat avoid the kind of albatross the Los Angeles Lakers gave Kobe Bryant. It’s really a win-win.

But for the most part, this massive deal is all about keeping a Heat lifer in Miami. This team wouldn’t be considered a serious threat to Cleveland without Wade, so even though he’ll have to actually stay healthy to help Miami reach that potential, no one wanted any outcome other than Flash being back for next season.

Grade: A-

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