The Miami Heat are looking to upgrade the team that reached the NBA Finals in 2022–23, therefore they have been active in the free agent market this summer.
However, there have been some casualties as a result of Miami’s actions. Guard Gabe Vincent reportedly left the organization for the Los Angeles Lakers. In the 2022–23 season, Vincent started 34 games for Miami and recently signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lakers.
The Heat also appear to be on the verge of losing sharpshooter Max Strus this offseason. Strus appears to be heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers if the sides can work out a sign-and-trade. Nothing is official on Strus yet, but there have been reports of him signing a four-year, $64 million deal that would be used in the sign-and-trade with Cleveland.
The Heat have brought back one player from the 2022-23 season’s roster and added a former Heat guard to the roster on a value deal.
Here’s a breakdown of each of Miami’s signings at this point in free agency:
Guard Josh Richardson, a former second-round pick by the Heat, reportedly is returning to the team on a two-year deal.
The deal is for the veteran minimum and includes a player option in the second season.
This is a great addition for the Heat, and head coach Erik Spoelstra reportedly convinced Richardson to take the Miami offer over a more lucrative contract.
Richardson spent the 2022-23 season playing for the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans.
A career 36.5 percent shooter from deep, Richardson should help mitigate the loss of both Vincent and Strus (should Strus get moved in a sign-and-trade) this offseason. The Heat are also getting a great value bringing in a proven player like Richardson for just the veteran minimum.
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