8 major winners and losers from a frenzied first two weeks of free agency
By Cal Durrett
Losers: Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are not doing well so far. They have lost two rotation players, Delon Wright and Caleb Martin, with them going to Eastern Conference rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. They have yet to replace them, and trade target DeMar DeRozan is now a member of the Sacramento Kings.
Donovan Mitchell, who was a great potential fit in Miami, opted to re-sign in Cleveland, and the Atlanta Hawks seem unlikely to trade Trae Young since they have no incentive to tank. With the free agency market drying up as well as their trade options, that leaves the Heat without a clear cut way to jump back into the conversation for the best team in the Eastern Conference.
The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers are all clearly better than them, and the Cavaliers and Bucks are likely better too. Having a ceiling as a sixth-seed isn't a great place to be and if they underachieve like they usually do in the regular season, they may decide to move on from star Jimmy Butler, who will be a free agent after next season. The Heat have underwhelmed thus far.