Miami Heat: 5 potential free agency targets in 2017
By Frank Urbina
Honorable Mentions
To save some time, we’re going to list various upcoming free agent options here (some realistic and some not), with a brief explanation as to why they missed the cut. Here goes nothing:
- SF – Kevin Durant
- PG – Stephen Curry
- Really don’t think I have to explain why landing either guy isn’t realistic.
- PG – Kyle Lowry
- Intriguing option, but Miami has Goran Dragic who’s the same age (31), plays the same position at a high level and is on a cheaper deal than Lowry will command.
- PF – Paul Millsap
- The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson reported the Heat will entertain the idea of Millsap, but not for the max. Well, afterwards, Brian Geltzeiler (founder of Hoops Critic) stated that up to three teams are willing to give Milsap the max deal he covets. Doubt the 32-year-old will turn down the chance at one last huge payday.
- PF/C – Serge Ibaka
- Not a good fit next to Hassan Whiteside, and will command huge money. The Toronto Raptors own his Bird Rights too, so most expect Ibaka will stay put.
- SF – Rudy Gay
- 30 years old, historically inefficient and coming off a ruptured Achilles? Pass.
- PF – Ersan Ilyasova
- Decent-but-not-great shooter from the 4-spot, and a porous defender. Maybe as a backup alternative but even then, Luke Babbitt is a similar talent, at a way cheaper price.
- PF – Patrick Patterson
- Solid option if Miami loses Johnson and needs a backup-4. Just missed the cut.
- SG/SF – C.J. Miles
- Shot 41.3 percent from three last year and played solid defense. Just missed the cut as well.
Phew. Did you get all that?