Heat Notes: Bryant, O. Robinson, Wright, Mills, Butler, Highsmith

A pair of decisions — only one of which is in their control — will determine what the Heat’s big man rotation looks like next season, writes Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.

Backup center Thomas Bryant, who appeared in just 38 games after signing as a free agent last summer, has a $2.8MM player option that must be picked up by June 29. The 26-year-old center may decide to test free agency again after falling out of Erik Spoelstra‘s rotation and missing 41 games due to coach’s decision.

“I haven’t given too much thought about it right now,” Bryant said during exit interviews last month. “Really it’s just trying to deal with the end of the season. But for me, I love this Heat organization. I love the Heat culture, I love what these guys represent and what they bring to the table and how everybody here has to work.”

The Heat have a July 15 deadline to guarantee Orlando Robinson‘s $2.1MM salary for 2024/25, and that decision could be influenced by what Bryant opts to do. Chiang notes that the 23-year-old Robinson’s best moments during his two years with the organization have come outside the NBA as he was named to the All-Summer League First Team last year and scored 41 points in a G League game.

Robinson, who was limited to 36 games this season, cited defensive improvement as his priority for the summer.

“I feel like just honing in on that side of the floor,” he said. “The Miami offense, I feel like I can impact it without really having to focus on it. I’ve tried to study it to a point where I understand how we move the ball, play off of each other. … But defensively, I feel like the more I can do with my body will allow me to impact the defensive end.”

There’s more from Miami:

• The Heat also have to decide whether to re-sign unrestricted free agents Delon Wright and Patty Mills, who joined the team in the middle of the season following buyouts with other organizations, Chiang adds in a separate story. Both veteran guards saw playing time because of a rash of injuries, but there may not be a long-term role for either of them.
• With at least three teams reportedly expressing interest in trading for Jimmy Butler, the Heat will have to determine if there’s a way to get better next season without one of their stars, per Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel. Winderman believes it’s beneficial to the organization to have some time pass after team president Pat Riley’s pointed comments about the need for Butler to appear in more games.
• There’s a market around the league for unrestricted free agent Haywood Highsmith, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (video link). The 27-year-old forward has expressed a desire to stay in Miami, but the Heat’s offer could be limited because of luxury tax concerns.