USA Today via Reuters
Mar 4, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) congratulates forward Jimmy Butler (22) after he was fouled hitting a 3-point field goal in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 4, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) congratulates forward Jimmy Butler (22) after he was fouled hitting a 3-point field goal in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
After winning the Eastern Conference Finals and barely missing out on a championship, the Miami Heat were one of the dark horse contenders in a loaded Eastern Conference for the 2020-21 season.
Despite a shaky start to their season, the Heat managed to finish as the sixth seed in the regular season. Pitted against the Milwaukee Bucks who they had beaten 4-1 in the Orlando bubble, the Heat were seen as a favorite in the matchup.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 29, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) celebrates with guard Goran Dragic (7) and guard Tyler Herro (14) after scoring a basket against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Stobe/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports
But the Bucks simply humiliated the Eastern Conference champions with a 4-0 sweep. Given how disappointing their season was, Jimmy Butler and Co. have to make some moves if they want to capitalize on their championship window.
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Miami Heat kick off free agency with decision on aging veterans
The Heat entering this off-season see a total of 9 players entering the free agency market. While the likes of Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn are restricted free agents are in for hefty contracts, many of their veteran players like Andre Igoudala and Goran Dragic either have a team option or are unrestricted free agents.
Miami have certainly made some statement decisions to begin free agency. The Heat recently rejected the team option of signing back Andre Igoudala to a $15 million salary.
The Heat are declining the $15M team option on F Andre Iguodala’s contract for next season, making him a free agent, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 1, 2021
Igoudala who has been a key rotational piece for the Heat is in the twilight of his career. Iggy might have a great impact defensively but he has a hefty contract for an aging veteran. With Igoudala now a free agent, Miami be getting $15 million per year off the books.
Another big move that the Heat have made is exercising the player option for Goran Dragic. Dragic has been a solid backup point guard for the Heat for quite some time now.
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While his minutes have taken a slight hit, he still continues to average good numbers. Averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game, the Slovenian is still a great contributor to the team. The 34-year-old will now earn $19.4 million for the 2021-22 season.
The Miami Heat are picking up guard Goran Dragic’s $19.4 million team option for the 2021-22 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 1, 2021
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These moves might be a ploy for some bigger moves by the Heat. There were multiple rumors about Miami’s interest in bringing in star point guard Kyle Lowry. With Dragic now signed, the Heat might have enough assets to give up for the Raptors’ veteran.
The Slovenian packaged with Herro and possibly a young star in Precious Achiuwa might interest the Heat. Can the Miami Heat make a move for Lowry this free agency and finally become title contenders?
