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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) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 21: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz in action during the first half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 21, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

3 veteran free agents for the Miami Heat to target this offseason: 2. Joe Ingles

2021-22 salary: $13,036,064

This free agent signing would fall under two categories. Firstly, Joe Ingles has proven over a number of seasons that he’s an extremely valuable role player who contributes to winning teams.

Prior to last season, Ingles was an instrumental part of a Utah Jazz team that had compiled multiple 50-win seasons, with his ability to be a connector between the first and second units, both as a secondary ball-handler and three-ball shooter.

Over the past seven seasons, Ingles was one of just four players in the league to shoot at least 40 percent from deep on at least 2000 attempts.  The other three were JJ Redick, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson.

After appearing in 45 games last season, Ingles suffered a season-ending ACL injury, and the Jazz clearly missed the veteran’s overall playmaking and veteran presence as they were bundled out in the opening round of the postseason. Ingles was traded midseason to the Portland Trail Blazers as a salary dump due to the injury, but of course, did not appear in any action.

This brings up the other component of signing Ingles, and that’s his veteran presence in the locker room. Whether it’s from his time with the Jazz, the Australian National Team, or the various teams he played with across Europe, Ingles’ popularity as a teammate has never wavered.

Although his current rehab process may stretch into the 2022-23 season, this is unlikely to scare off prospective suitors. At 6’8, the left-handed Ingles has the necessary skill set to switch between multiple positions, thus providing a real point of difference.

Furthermore, and despite his season-ending layoff last season, the 34-year-old has demonstrated durability throughout his career, ranking 18th overall in games played over the past six seasons with 430 regular season games under his belt.

Ultimately, the composition of the Heat is going to be the determining factor in terms of adding a player such as Ingles. If team legend Udonis Haslem continues for a 20th season with the season, adding Ingles, considering his age and current predicament, would seem to be less likely.

But if a spot opens for a highly-qualified veteran who could make a real impact towards winning, the Heat would be tremendous landing spot for Joe Ingles.

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