The contract extension that 2015 second-round pick Josh Richardson is eligible for with the Heat would value him similarly to NBA role players Matthew Dellavedova and Cristiano Felicio, Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel writes.
Considering that Richardson is an established high character rotation piece already familiar with the Heat’s system, such an investment wouldn’t exactly be excessive.
Through two seasons with the Heat, Richardson has averaged 8.4 points on .374 shooting from beyond the arc. His length and ability to contribute on the defensive end make him one of the team’s most well-rounded assets.
As we wrote earlier this week, Richardson may be wise to wait until the June 2018 deadline before making his decision. If he doesn’t accept the four-year, $42MM extension with the Heat he’ll be a restricted free agent come July 1, 2018.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Since 2006, the Wizards have played in the Verizon Center. Effective immediately, the venue that houses both the basketball club and its hockey counterpart will be known as the Capital One Arena, an Associated Press report says.
- Half of Luke Babbitt‘s nearly $2MM contract with the Hawks is guaranteed, Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders tweets.
- Miami beat writer Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel recently ranked Heat players in terms of their importance to the franchise. While Hassan Whiteside came in at No. 1, recently re-signed James Johnson slipped in at No. 2 ahead of Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow.