[brid autoplay=”true” video=”816273″ player=”23231″ title=”Top%20NBA%20free%20agents%20of%202021″ duration=”53″ description=”Unlike last offseason, we’re going to see a ton of top end NBA free agents in 2021. Players like future Hall of Famers Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul will likely opt out of their contracts and hit the open market.Meanwhile, there’s a large amount of talented youngsters set to become restricted free agents. That list includes Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins and Lonzo Ball of the New Orleans Pelicans.” uploaddate=”2021-06-29″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/816273_t_1624987441.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/816273.mp4″]
The Miami Heat’s roster is beginning to look set amid Day 3 of the free-agency process. The Heat agreed to a deal with Markieff Morris, already pulled off a blockbuster for Kyle Lowry, and re-signed Victor Oladipo, per The Athletic‘s Shams Charania.
However, there is still work to do and they need to fill out some of the backup positions. Who are some free-agent targets that Miami can add to the roster?
What Victor Oladipo’s return means for the Miami Heat
Victor Oladipo may not be back until around the All-Star break, but it was in the best interest of both sides to reunite.
Oladipo averaged 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 40.8% from the floor in 33 games last season between the Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat.
The 29-year-old’s injuries are a problem, but the surgery on his right quadriceps tendon went very well and better than before. Oladipo brings elite defense and could return to more consistent shooting once he’s fully healthy.
The Heat’s prized acquisition of the trade deadline could be the return of Oladipo. Imagine Oladipo as the sixth man on a team with the starting lineup of Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Markieff Morris, and Bam Adebayo.
They would also have scoring with Tyler Herro coming off the bench. Oladipo perfectly fits this team Miami has constructed.
The organization’s ability to re-sign Oladipo shouldn’t have any effect on signing another player on this list. They hold Oladipo’s bird rights, and the fact that he’s coming off an injury likely ensures he’ll be had a bargain.
Miami can’t be afraid to pay the tax if it wants to build a contending team going forward. If the organization is not afraid, they can build a serious team that no one should mess with next year.
Related: Sportsnaut’s NBA defensive rankings – Celtics remain at the top heading into the postseason
Best Miami Heat free-agent targets still available
Dennis Schroder, guard, Los Angeles Lakers
Dennis Schroder completely misjudged his market coming into free agency and will need to take a contract below his true value this offseason.
Schroder averaged 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 43.7% from the field in 32.1 minutes per game. The 27-year-old point guard played with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
The Heat would be an interesting fit for Schroder, who would slide in as the backup point guard behind Kyle Lowry. However, the biggest question about Schroder’s free agency has been his market.
The 27-year-old guard wanted around $100 million on his new deal, but now he’s most likely looking at the mid-level exception or taxpayer mid-level exception. But, would he take less money to be on a contender on a prove-it deal?
Schroder would be a candidate to be given the bi-annual exception, which is $3.7 million next season. If he wants to go somewhere that helps rebuild a player’s value, Miami would be a great place.
Wesley Matthews, guard, Los Angeles Lakers
Wesley Matthews didn’t have the greatest season for the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Heat would most likely be a better fit than his previous teams due to the makeup of the organization.
Matthews averaged 4.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while shooting 35.3% from the floor in 19.5 minutes per game. The 34-year-old guard would bring good perimeter defense off the bench.
The Heat were interested in Matthews last offseason and the organization is known for circling back to players after missing out on them. Matthews could come off the bench as a guard or forward and fit very well.
Matthews’ 3-point percentage took a hit as it dipped to 33.5%. Normally, his clip lies around 36-39% from beyond the arc, so it could be a case of a mere down year. Miami could sign him for the veteran’s minimum, which would be great value for a 3-and-D player that fits the system.
The 34-year-old guard feels like the most realistic option on the list and the best fit overall.
James Ennis, forward, Orlando Magic
James Ennis started his career with the Miami Heat and would be a nice athletic defensive player to come off the bench for the team.
Ennis averaged 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 47.3% from the floor in 24.0 minutes per game. The 34-year-old forward played with the Orlando Magic last season.
Ennis also had his second-best season from the three-point line while shooting 43.3% on 2.5 attempts per game. Ennis would be a good fit coming off the bench as a wing player with good shooting and decent defense with a 6-foot-11 wingspan.
It was reported before free agency that the 34-year-old forward would have contending teams interested in acquiring his services. The Heat would fall under that category and would be a nice backup option to Wesley Matthews.
The 34-year-old guard could be given the bi-annual exception by the Miami Heat, which would be good value for him. However, other options could be more enticing if they have a bigger role available.
J.J. Redick, guard, Dallas Mavericks
J.J. Redick is on the older side, but he wouldn’t be a terrible option if Miami decides to add a shooter to come off the bench for the time being.
Redick averaged 7.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 39.7% from the floor in 16.4 minutes per game. The 37-year-old guard played with the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks last season.
He shot 37.1% from beyond the arc, which is a drop-off from 2020 when he shot 45.3% from that distance. Redick has a good relationship with Duncan Robinson, so there would be approval within the organization.
Redick isn’t the greatest option at this point in his career, but you can never have enough shooting, especially when you look at the current team. The Heat are expected to add another veteran guard and he makes sense.
The 37-year-old guard shouldn’t command much and Miami would most likely prefer to give him the veteran’s minimum.