Miami Heat 2020 Free Agent Targets

The Miami Heat enter the 2020 free agency period having to balance both the present and the near future. Fresh off a surprise NBA Finals run, the Heat are clearly ready to contend now. But the long game has always been about 2021 and the potential of luring Giannis Antetokounmpo to South Beach. 

To ensure that, the Heat’s primary goal is to keep max level cap space available next offseason. Secondary to that is looking to remain competitive by re-signing a few key players to big one year deals. Afterwards, they’ll look to see if their contender status can get them a bargain on a veteran player. Ideally they should look to round out their big rotation as there’s the real possibility Meyers Leonard leaves.

At first glance Miami has options, but there’s a path they’ll probably follow. If Kelly Olynyk (likely) re-signs, they could have up to 23.1 million after releasing all their cap holds. But for the Heat it makes more sense to run it back, re-signing those players to large one year deals using their bird rights. Afterwards, they’d have the taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE), the bi-annual exception, and the vet minimum to work with.

Free Agent Targets

Goran Dragic

The Miami Heat were a different team once the playoffs started last season, in large part due to Dragic’s promotion to playoff starter. The 34-year old became the Heat’s leading scorer in the playoffs until an unfortunate foot injury in Game 1 of the Finals. 

The Slovenian guard is at his most comfortable attacking the basket in fastbreaks and pick-and-rolls, using a mix of savvy and aggression to get buckets. Should a defender respect his drive, he’s more than capable of pulling up from mid-range or three. Off-ball he cuts hard and spaces the floor well.

A veteran playmaker and an established voice in the locker room, Dragic has also been a leader for the Heat for years. After his years of excellence and recent playoff performance, Dragic looks to be the key candidate for a big one-year “thank you” deal from Miami.

Jae Crowder

Originally an add-on in a trade highlighted by Andre Iguodala, Crowder became arguably the best player Miami got from the deal. Like Dragic, Crowder’s addition to the playoff starting lineup was a key factor in Miami’s Finals run.

Crowder’s value is in his 3-and-D play. His defensive skills as a large wing and ability to switch multiple positions allowed Miami to play a nasty switch heavy system in the playoffs. Where the former Marquette player really helped was as a high volume spot up shooter, draining threes uncharacteristically well on significant volume. 

Crowder was a near seamless fit in Miami, knowing his role and carrying it out perfectly. It would make sense for the Heat to double down and bring him back another year. He may get more money in a longer multi-year deal, but he could be paid well and contend now in Miami.

Derrick Jones Jr.

Derrick Jones Jr. is the last of the Heat’s players that are likely to re-sign. The former UNLV player has spent a few years in the Heat’s rotation but played a minimal role in their recent playoff run.

While limited, Jones does show potential to be a good role player. His defense has continued to improve over the years and was the main reason he got minutes in the playoffs. It’s on the other end he needs to improve. Jones is a terrific dunker off cuts, passes, and putbacks but he needs to improve his bad 3-point shot to be an effective spacer.

At 23 years old, there’s still time for Derrick Jones Jr. to grow and become better. It wouldn’t be surprising to see another team give him an offer. Miami would do well to keep him as a role player to grow around their young core.

Danilo Gallinari

During the trade deadline last February, Miami got close to acquiring Gallinari but it fell apart as he wanted more long term security. While addressing free agency recently, Gallinari said he now valued playing for a contender more, which Miami certainly is.

The Italian veteran would be a highly sought addition to the Heat roster, especially for their offense. Able to score at all three levels, Gallinari would supercharge Miami’s scoring. With his size and solid defense, he could play both the four and five for Miami, addressing one of their key concerns.

The biggest challenge here is going to be the number of other suitors for Gallinari. Given Miami will likely have the MLE at best, other teams will certainly be able to offer more money. But if he’s really in contention mode now, the groundwork has already been laid out to join the Heat.

Tristan Thompson

The Cleveland Cavaliers big man is hitting free agency and should be on Miami’s radar to improve the rotation. At 29 years old, the former Texas player is still in his prime and ready to contribute to a team.

Thompson would be a playoff level backup for Bam Adebayo. He’s got the size and versatility on defense to play the five while switching onto the perimeter. On offense he’s an excellent screener in the pick-and-roll while also high energy on the boards. In recent years he’s also grown as a playmaker and started flirting with shooting threes at a decent rate.

Most of this hinges on what exactly Thompson wants. Having already won a ring in 2016 with the Cavs, Thompson could just take the biggest contract out there. But after two losing years in Cleveland, maybe Thompson will take the MLE for great weather and a winning team.