Following a momentous playoff run culminating in the Finals, here are three targets the Miami Heat should focus on in NBA free agency.
While they were certainly expected to make some noise in the unique setting of the NBA bubble, few could have predicted that the Miami Heat would go within two wins of capturing their fourth title in franchise history.
But in an environment highly conducive to the elite standards set within the organization, the Heat far and away exceeded all expectations. And as a result, the Heat undoubtedly pressed fast forward on their process of building towards a legitimate title threat.
Which brings us to the offseason, and the all-important free agency period.
At this stage, the first point of business will likely involve the re-signing of their own pair of key free agents in Goran Dragic and Jae Crowder. Prior to his untimely foot injury in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Dragic put together arguably the best stretch of basketball of his career through the opening three rounds of the postseason. And while he will be turning 35 during the course of next season, his value to the Heat on and off the floor is immeasurable.
Similarly, Crowder made a huge impression after being acquired at the trade deadline last season, with his ability to contribute at both ends of the floor a key factor in the Heat’s success in the bubble. Looking ahead, and while armed with a solid amount of salary cap space, the Heat are expected not to invest in any long-term deals this offseason in order to maintain cap space for the free agency class of 2021.
So with the Heat likely to offer one-year deals to Dragic and Crowder in order to keep their options open, and with the future of another free agent duo in Meyers Leonard and Derrick Jones Jr. somewhat in doubt, here are three under-the-radar free agents the Heat should consider this offseason.