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2020 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

By Duncan Smith

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers guareds Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center on January 5, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Lakers won 106-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers guareds Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center on January 5, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Lakers won 106-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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NBA free agency
NBA free agency Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Meyers Leonard: 2 years, $20 million (Miami Heat)

The Miami Heat are clearly intent upon bringing back the core of their Eastern Conference championship team from a year ago (a month ago, more accurately). Just minutes after signing Goran Dragic to a two-year, $37.4 million contract, the Heat have signed Meyers Leonard to a two-year deal worth nearly $20 million.

Much like Dragic’s deal, you can assume that Leonard’s second year will be non-guaranteed or a team option, leaving them plenty of space to pursue Antetokounmpo next season. Leonard provides plenty of sharpshooting as well as depth at center when needed, although injury and general misfortune during the NBA bubble caused him to fall out of the Heat’s rotation.

It’s a bit of a surprise that the Heat so quickly opted to bring Leonard back as just a few weeks ago it seemed as though Heat president Pat Riley was preparing to see both Leonard and Derrick Jones Jr. (who also lost his spot in the rotation) leave the team in free agency.

Leonard is a great guy and an excellent teammate, but this contract seems like a pretty hefty number even with the likely built-in year-two protection. The Dragic contract was solid, but I’ve got some concerns about this one.

Grade: C-