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3 offseason moves for the Miami Heat to stay strong

By Josh Cornelissen

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 26: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Miami Heat in action against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round at FTX Arena on April 26, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 26: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Miami Heat in action against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round at FTX Arena on April 26, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 07: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Miami Heat dribbles up the court against the Houston Rockets during the second half at FTX Arena on March 07, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3 offseason moves for the Miami Heat: Bring back Victor Oladipo

At the NBA Trade Deadline in March of 2021, the Miami Heat made a curious move. They sent versatile stretch-big Kelly Olynyk, who had been a key part of their run to the NBA Finals in 2020, along with Avery Bradley and a first-round pick to the Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo, despite being flush with backcourt players and the NBA world being fully aware of Oladipo’s injury issues.

That second point struck immediately, as Oladipo appeared in just four games before going down with a long-term injury. He was rehabbing for the vast majority of this past season as well and only made an appearance in eight games total before the playoffs started.

Then the playoffs began, and suddenly, Oladipo was a key part of the rotation. He played in 15 games and averaged 24.5 minutes per game. He was their best bench shot-maker as Tyler Herro struggled at times and also fought an injury. Along with his fearless scoring, he proved himself a solid defender that the Heat could deploy on anyone from Tyrese Maxey to Jayson Tatum, fast guard or skilled forward.

Because the Heat acquired Oladipo via trade and re-signed him on a one-year minimum deal, they have retained his Bird Rights. That means they can offer him a contract for as much money as they like, up to the maximum, even without cap space. It was a shrewd bit of strategy from the front office and gives them plenty of leverage in contract negotiations this summer.

Moving forward, Oladipo proved himself healthy and able to contribute at a high level. He could start at the two or come off the bench as a backup three, which he played much of the postseason.

He gives them two-way versatility that the rest of their role players don’t have, and a deal larger than the midlevel, but well under $20 million per season, seems right for the former All-NBA guard.

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