The Heat and Justise Winslow have less than a week to reach an agreement on a contract extension before an October 15 deadline, but Winslow is optimistic that the two sides will find common ground, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel.
“There’s been talks. We’re getting close,” Winslow said, per Winderman. “I think it should get done.”
With Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns having already signed new deals, Winslow is one of 21 players still eligible for a rookie scale extension this year. If those players don’t sign new contracts by next Monday, they’ll be on track to become restricted free agents during the summer of 2019.
While Winslow believes there’s a good chance he and the Heat will work something out, there are potential road blocks. Miami’s involvement in the Jimmy Butler trade talks represents one complication — if the Heat are able to complete a trade for Butler, it’s possible that Winslow would be included in the package, meaning the club may try to get resolution on that situation before finalizing an extension for the 22-year-old.
The Heat also have no shortage of lucrative multiyear contracts on their cap already, with approximately $120MM in guaranteed salaries (including player options) committed for 2019/20 without accounting for Winslow. The in-the-tax Heat may be reluctant to invest long-term in another player quite yet, unless the cost is team-friendly.
Winslow, the 10th overall pick in the 2015 draft, showed an improved three-point shot in 2017/18 (.380 3PT%), but only posted modest overall numbers, averaging 7.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 2.2 APG in 68 games (24.7 MPG). Assuming he remains in Miami, the team will be looking for him to claim a regular role in a crowded rotation this season and take another step forward on both ends of the floor.
Signing him to something slightly under Richardson makes a lot of sense, and could be a massive bargain as he continues to get better.
At min, he is probably going to get what Richardon is – 10M. But does he really want to lock himself into 4/40M? Mo Harkless contract basically. That’s a terrible deal for him if he actually busts out since he’ll be 23 this year.
Also, if the extend him, he won’t be involved in a Jimmy Butler trade. I would rather deal Winslow than Richardson if I were a Heat fan.
I dont think it would take either of them to get Butler, but if I absolutely had to for a deal to get done, I would be willing to move Winslow, as I’ve said. I wouldnt be willing to move Richardson
I would agree that maybe Winslow wouldn’t want to lock himself in, but he is still young, and restricted free agency is a gamble right now
Got to lock him up if it’s the j rich deal or less. Much rather have him and j rich for 10 mil a year entering their primes than butler for 35 mil entering his decline.
Yea you trade for Butler year 5 and 6 will most likely be ugly. He wants a 5 yr max deal, so
I’m essentially saying the same