Miami Heat: 3 free agents to consider this offseason
By Simon Smith
Miami Heat NBA free agency target No. 3: Maurice Harkless
Splitting time last season between the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks, Maurice Harkless missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. Dealt to the Knicks midseason having just arrived in Southern California, Harkless spent the previous four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became a regular starter in his final three years with the franchise.
Ironically part of the deal that sent Hassan Whiteside to the Blazers last offseason, Harkless’ primary role in his eight years in the league has been as a versatile perimeter defender, with his contributions at the offensive end being somewhat of a bonus.
At 6’7″ and with a 7’2″ wingspan, Harkless possesses the physical tools necessary to be a disruptive force at the defensive end of the floor. In particular, it’s the uncertain future of athletic swingman Jones that makes Harkless a potential target.
For his career, the 27-year-old Harkless has averaged 1.0 steals per game, and last season nabbed multiple steals in 16 of his 62 regular season games. The No. 15 overall pick in 2012, Harkless’ four-year, $42 contract which has now expired notably contained a clause that included a $500,000 bonus if he shot at least 35 percent from 3-point range. Harkless reached this target in the first two seasons, but came up short in the last two, finishing at a 34.7 percent clip last season.
Considering he’s entering his absolute prime, ascertaining Harkless’ value on the open market is not an easy task. But given the disappointment of his season culminating minus a trip to the postseason, and the real possibility of a role for a contender, a Harkless-Heat partnership certainly has some appeal.