Hoops Habit
Fansided

3 veteran free agents for the Miami Heat to target this offseason

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 04: Assistant coach Chris Quinn and head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat look on against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at FTX Arena on May 04, 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 - MAY 04: Assistant coach Chris Quinn and head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat look on against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at FTX Arena on May 04, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Miami Heat
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 02: Gary Harris #14 of the Orlando Magic brings the ball up court against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Hickey/Getty Images) /

3 veteran free agents for the Miami Heat to target this offseason: Gary Harris

2021-22 salary: $21,000,000

It’s easy to overlook the fact that Gary Harris is still just 27 years of age. After six-and-a-half seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Harris has played the last season-and-a-half in relative anonymity with the Orlando Magic.

After a true breakout in the 2017-18 season, a cavalcade of varying injuries resulted in a serious decline of production for the former 19th overall. That breakout year, his third in the league, saw the Michigan State product averaged 17.4 points while ranking eighth in the league in steals with 1.8 per game

So, while his output in the ensuing seasons dipped, his latest campaign with the Magic featured glimpses that indicate Harris may still have plenty left in the tank. Having scored at least 20 points just twice in his previous two seasons combined, Harris did this on six occasions in the 2021-22 season. Notably, the 6’4 Harris compiled an 11-game stretch in which he averaged 18.7 points while shooting at a 41.7 percent clip from three-point range on 6.7 attempts per game.

In fact, Harris’ overall impact from long range will certainly be an attractive calling card this offseason, connecting at a 38.4 percent clip overall last season, which included nailing 44.4 percent of his triples that were considered wide open.

Having made $21 million this past season, ascertaining Harris’ value on the open market will be an interesting point of discussion. While the Magic are currently stocked with an array of emerging players in the backcourt, retaining Harris will still likely remain a viable option as a steadying hand as the organization attempts to lift itself from the depths of the Eastern Conference.

But if the Magic feels like their partnership should come to an end, the Heat could do worse than give consideration to the versatile Gary Harris.

Home/Miami Heat