The Miami Heat have agreed to deals with Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade to return next season and moving forward they could look at Gerald Green, JR Smith or David West as free agent targets on the market and this comes as Justise Winslow made an impressive debut in the NBA Summer League.
Miami is coming into the offseason after missing the playoffs, but they have kept the core of the team intact and could have one of the best starting lineups in the league. According to the Associated Press, Wade has agreed on a one year deal worth $20 million to remain in Miami and this comes after he opted out of his contract. Dragic has also agreed to a five year deal worth $90 million and all of that should help the team sign Hassan Whiteside next summer, which was a main concern for the front office this year with the cap.
UPDATE: Miami reportedly is lokoing into a trade for Jamal Crawford. Check here for the story. The Cavs are also interested. UPDATE: Gerald Green has agreed to sign with Miami.
UPDATE: Miami is reportedly willing to trade Mario Chalmers, Chris Andersen and/or Shabazz Napier to clear cap space. from Zach Lowe at ESPN (h/t PBT): "Report: Heat willing to trade Mario Chalmers, Shabazz Napier and/or Chris Andersen." Check here for more.
Wade reportedly was considering meeting with other teams, but he was able to come to an agreement to stay in Miami. Wade was set to make over $16 million on his player option, so he is getting a slight raise and the chance to be a free agent again next summer. The team wanted to have some financial flexibility to try and chase Kevin Durant next summer and this deal should allow them to do that. Dragic also took below the max to help the team sign back Wade.
Miami was looking into a number of free agents, including JJ Barea and LaMarcus Aldridge, but those players look like they are going to be working in Texas. Aldridge granted Pat Riley a meeting in free agency even with Miami having not chance to sign him, while Barea reportedly will sign back with the Mavericks this summer. Miami has other free agent options on the market on the low end, including names like Gerald Green, David West and JR Smith.
Miami does not have much to spend, but they can fill out the roster with some mid-level players and that should help with depth this season. Dragic is set to return and while that was likely, it was no guarantee that he would sign with Miami. Dragic had a solid run with Miami after his trade from Phoenix and now he comes in with a near max deal and a player option after the fourth year. Dragic comes in after averaging 16 points and four assists per game last season.
Justise Winslow was taken in the draft by Miami and he is expected to be a contributor this season for the team. Winslow had his first couple professional games for Miami in the NBA Summer League and according to Fox Sports, he was impressive in his first game and could be a strong option for Miami this season. Winslow has a solid defensive game and he also showed some passing skills on the winning play for the Heat. Winslow had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in the win against the Nets and he has the chance to prove he belongs in the rotation this season.