Miami Heat Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Free Agent Rumors: Brown, Lakers, Bridges, Cavs, Heat, Love

June 29th, 2023 at 1:11pm CST by Luke Adams

The Lakers are “increasingly confident” about their chances of signing Bruce Brown using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, multiple sources tell Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

The Denver Post first reported on Wednesday that the Lakers have “significant” interest in Brown. A subsequent report suggested that the Nuggets‘ free agent guard may receive offers worth more than the mid-level, which would be virtually impossible for L.A. to match. However, Buha’s latest report suggests the Lakers still feel good about their odds of landing the versatile guard.

As Buha details, there’s a path for the Lakers to re-sign D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura while also using the full mid-level exception, which would hard-cap their team salary at approximately $172MM. That path would require the club to decline Malik Beasley‘s $16.5MM team option and waive Mohamed Bamba, whose $10.3MM salary is non-guaranteed.

Here are a few more free agent rumblings from around the NBA:

The Cavaliers have interest in Hornets restricted free agent Miles Bridges, sources tell Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. However, with only the mid-level exception to offer, Cleveland is a long shot to land Bridges, given that Charlotte would match a mid-level offer sheet “in an instant,” Fedor writes. Sources tell Cleveland.com that Bridges’ camp is expecting a significantly higher per-year salary.
Elsewhere within his look at the Cavaliers‘ options in free agency, Fedor says Max Strus would be near the top of the team’s wish list if he’s attainable with the mid-level exception, which he may not be. Fedor adds that Cleveland is in the market for more forward depth in addition to a two-way wing, naming Georges Niang as a possible target.
The Heat and Kevin Love have mutual interest in working out a new deal, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. Miami only holds Love’s Non-Bird rights, so he’d likely have to accept a minimum-salary contract or something slightly above that if he wants to return.
In an entertaining piece for GQ.com, Howard Beck speaks to a number of anonymous team executives about their expectations for the NBA’s 2023 offseason.

Pacers Considering $48MM Offer For Max Strus

June 28th, 2023 at 8:00pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Pacers are “strongly weighing” a three-year offer in the $48MM range for free agent shooting guard Max Strus, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack column.

Several teams are interested in Strus, who is likely to receive a new deal that exceeds the $12.4MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception, Stein adds. With more than $30MM in cap room, Indiana is in position to outbid many of its rivals.

Echoing a report from Jake Fischer earlier today, Stein states that Strus appears “almost certain” to be on the move after spending the past three seasons with the Heat. Fischer cited the Pistons and Magic as other teams with cap room that might make an offer to Strus.

Miami reportedly doesn’t want to commit the resources it would take to re-sign both Strus and Gabe Vincent, and it appears that Vincent is more of a priority.

Strus, 27, started all 23 playoff games for the Heat during their run to the NBA Finals. He was outstanding for most of the postseason, but struggled against Denver, shooting just 10-of-43 from three-point range.

Heat Decide Against Using Stretch Provision On Kyle Lowry

June 28th, 2023 at 4:25pm CST by Luke Adams

JUNE 28: The Heat have decided against using the stretch provision on Lowry, according to Jackson.

The team will look to use Lowry’s expiring contract in a trade this offseason for Lillard or another player, but if no deal emerges, Miami is comfortable beginning the season with the veteran guard on its roster and revisiting trade scenarios during the season, says Jackson.

JUNE 27: The Heat have been considering the possibility of waiving and stretching the final year of Kyle Lowry‘s contract if they’re unable to find a suitable trade involving the veteran point guard, two sources tell Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

Lowry will earn approximately $29.7MM in the last season of his three-year contract with the Heat. That expiring salary could be useful for matching purposes if Miami makes a trade for a player like Damian Lillard.

However, if the team doesn’t make any major deals and wants to re-sign Gabe Vincent and/or Max Strus, its salary projects to be far beyond the luxury tax line, meaning that waiving and stretching Lowry would generate substantial savings.

Using the stretch provision on Lowry would spread his cap hit across three seasons, with charges of approximately $9.9MM per year. As Jackson outlines, going that route would reduce Miami’s salary commitments for 2023/24 from about $178.5MM to $158.5MM, moving the team at least temporarily out of tax territory and well below both tax aprons.

In that scenario, the Heat would probably surpass the tax line ($165MM) again by re-signing Vincent, but would be on the hook for a much smaller bill and could stay below the restrictive second tax apron ($179.5MM).

Besides potentially being a useful salary-matching trade chip, Lowry also still has some value on the court, having averaged 11.2 PPG, 5.1 APG, and 4.1 RPG in 55 regular season games (31.2 MPG) last season. So Miami is unlikely to waive him early in the offseason simply to save some money, especially when stretching his salary would add nearly $10MM in new money to the club’s books in both 2024/25 and ’25/26.

Still, Jackson’s report suggests the stretch provision is an option the Heat aren’t ruling out, and it’s worth noting there’s no rush to make a decision immediately — Lowry’s contract could be stretched anytime before September 1.

Victor Oladipo, who will likely exercise his $9.45MM player option this week, is another potential waive-and-stretch candidate for the Heat, Jackson notes.

Heat Rumors: Vincent, Strus, Lowry, Wood, Herro

June 28th, 2023 at 1:23pm CST by Luke Adams

The Heat have two rotation guards facing unrestricted free agency this week, and Gabe Vincent is considered a better bet to remain in Miami than Max Strus, writes Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

There’s mutual interest in a new deal between the Heat and Vincent, whom the team values at a figure of about $10MM per year, sources tell Yahoo Sports.

As Fischer outlines, teams like the Suns, Pistons, Sixers, and Mavericks initially appeared to be among Vincent’s potential suitors. However, the Suns were probably only in play if they’d been forced to waive-and-stretch Chris Paul, while the Pistons may no longer be in the market for a free agent guard after making a trade for Marcus Sasser on draft night. Philadelphia and Dallas, meanwhile, would have interest in a guard like Vincent if they’re unable to re-sign James Harden and Kyrie Irving, respectively, but for now those stars appear likely to stick with their current teams.

Strus should be more popular on the open market, with cap-room teams like the Pistons, Pacers, and Magic among the possible suitors cited by league personnel, Fischer writes. Some clubs with the full mid-level exception will also have interest in Strus, according to Fischer — he mentions the Cavaliers as one, though he notes that Cleveland is also eyeing free agents like Kelly Oubre and Georges Niang.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe said on his latest Lowe Post podcast that there’s a “ridiculous” amount of Strus buzz happening around the NBA right now. Lowe is confident that Strus will at least get a deal worth the full mid-level exception ($12.4MM) and says a team with cap room might top that figure, which is a point Fischer makes as well. People around the league aren’t expecting Strus to re-sign with the Heat, Fischer adds.

Here’s more on the Heat:

If Miami re-signs Vincent and doesn’t find a trade that requires Kyle Lowry‘s $29.7MM expiring contract, league personnel are preparing for the possibility that the Heat will waive Lowry, says Fischer. A report on Tuesday indicated that the team was considering the possibility of using the stretch provision on the veteran point guard. There’s already speculation about his possible free agent destinations, Fischer says, noting that a return to the Raptors would be a possible path for Lowry in that scenario.
Christian Wood has been continually identified by league personnel as a player who is on the Heat’s radar in free agency, Fischer reports. Wood isn’t expected to re-sign with Dallas.
If the Heat get the opportunity to make a play for Damian Lillard, there’s an expectation that Tyler Herro will be part of the package they offer the Trail Blazers. However, sources tell Chris Mannix of SI.com that Portland is “lukewarm” on Herro. It’s a moot point for now, since the Blazers remain focused on keeping Lillard. But if Dame does request a trade, it could become an important factor in trade talks.

Heat Willing To Wait For Damian Lillard

June 27th, 2023 at 9:29pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Heat aren’t giving up their pursuit of Damian Lillard. They’re taking a wait-and-see approach with the hope that Lillard will eventually request a trade, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Miami views Lillard as a player worth waiting for, as Jackson describes it, with no other viable paths to significantly upgrade the roster in the short term.

Lillard and his agent met with Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin on Monday. Cronin issued a short statement after the meeting, saying the two sides had a “great dialogue” and that the Blazers “remain committed to building a winner around Dame.”

Portland’s front office will try to make moves to markedly improve its roster and appease Lillard. If the Blazers are unable to do so, it’s still quite possible that Lillard finally asks to be moved.

It would be helpful for the Heat if that request came before August 31, the deadline to use the waive-and-stretch provision on Kyle Lowry‘s contract. Lowry’s $29.7MM expiring contract could be integral in a trade with Portland.

Beyond Lillard, an All-Star talent level may be out of reach for the tax-paying Heat. However, they are intent on keeping at least one of their key free agents. Gabe Vincent is expected to meet with Heat president Pat Riley in Southern California before free agency begins on Friday, according to Jackson. Miami holds his Bird rights.

Vincent appears to be a bigger priority for the Heat than fellow free agent Max Strus, who’s also expected to have multiple suitors in the open market.

A league source tells Jackson that Danilo Gallinari, who was included in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, could be a low-cost free agent target if, as expected, he receives a buyout from the Wizards.

Heat’s Victor Oladipo Exercises Player Option

June 27th, 2023 at 5:11pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Heat guard Victor Oladipo has exercised his $9.45MM option, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets.

The move was expected and makes complete financial sense for Oladipo, who tore the patellar tendon in his left knee early in the postseason.

Oladipo inked a two-year, $18.2MM deal with Miami last summer, which included the player option. Oladipo’s contract decision adds another burden to the Heat’s bloated salary cap.

If all goes well in his rehab, he could be back in action early next season.

Oladipo has been snake-bit by major injuries during his career. He ruptured the quadriceps tendon in his right knee during the 2018/19 season while still with the Pacers, then underwent a second operation on the quad late in the 2020/21 season while with the Heat.

Across his 42 healthy games during the 2022/23 regular season, the former two-time All-Star averaged 10.7 PPG on .397/.330/.747 shooting, along with 3.5 APG and 3.0 RPG.

Oladipo is now on track for unrestricted free agency in 2024.

Trade Rumors: Lillard, Valanciunas, N. Powell, Wizards, K. Martin

June 27th, 2023 at 11:47am CST by Luke Adams

Following Monday’s meeting with Damian Lillard and his agent, Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin put out a brief statement indicating that the team remains committed to building around its star point guard. Appearing on ESPN’s Get Up on Tuesday morning (YouTube link), Brian Windhorst provided some additional information on how that meeting went.

“This was the meeting that a lot of the league was watching to see if Damian Lillard requested a trade, and he absolutely did not,” Windhorst said (hat tip to RealGM). “From what I understand, the tenor of the meeting was that he doesn’t want to put pressure on the Blazers, that he wants to see what they do in free agency, and he’s going to give them that time do that.

“This is an interesting strategy move. He said at the end of the season ‘Get me veterans.’ The draft came and went, no veterans. He’s still not pressing, from what I have been told. He’s still going to give the Blazers every opportunity to work through this free agency process this week, whether it’s through trades or signing players.”

As Windhorst points out, given that no trade request from Lillard seems imminent, teams like the Heat – who were reportedly preparing to make a trade offer for the Blazers star – might have to move forward with their other offseason moves rather than hoping that Lillard’s situation will change.

“This is going to potentially cause some teams that were going to make offers for him to have move on with business,” Windhorst said. “They were waiting to see whether Dame Lillard was going to be on the market before they started to make moves this week. Now, some teams are going to have to make a decision either go forward or wait around. Lillard is going to wait around.”

Here are a few more trade rumors from around the NBA:

The Pelicans have made center Jonas Valanciunas available in trade talks as they seek out a big man who is more mobile and more of a rim protector, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, who says New Orleans inquired with the Cavaliers about Jarrett Allen‘s availability. Cleveland has reportedly rebuffed all inquiries for Allen.
Clippers swingman Norman Powell is another veteran who is considered available on the trade market, Fischer reports, adding that Powell’s name popped up in rumors when L.A. was trying to acquire Chris Paul from Washington.
Speaking of the Wizards, even after flipping Paul to Golden State, they’re still looking to move on from one or two more of their veteran point guards. Sources tell Fischer that Washington is seeking draft assets for Monte Morris and/or Delon Wright.
The Rockets have been engaging in more trade talks involving Kenyon Martin Jr. since last week’s draft, Fischer writes. While it’s not clear exactly which teams Houston has talked to recently, Fischer says the Hawks, Suns, and Nets have been cited as possible suitors for Martin dating back to the trade deadline in February.

Heat Issue Qualifying Offers To Orlando Robinson, Jamal Cain

June 26th, 2023 at 3:25pm CST by Rory Maher

The Heat have issued qualifying offers to Orlando Robinson and Jamal Cain, tweets Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Robinson and Cain are on two-way contracts, so they’ll be two-way restricted free agents. However, they’ll still be eligible to sign a standard deal with a rival team (which Miami could match) or with the Heat.

Robinson went undrafted in 2022 after three seasons at Fresno State. He averaged 3.7 PPG and 4.1 RPG in 31 games (13.7 MPG) as a rookie for the Heat in 2022/23.

There was talk of converting the 7’0″ center’s two-way deal into a standard contract at one point during the season, but Miami wound up signing veterans Kevin Love and Cody Zeller to fortify its frontcourt rotation, leaving Robinson on his two-way deal.

Cain, 24, was also a rookie last year after going undrafted. He spend his first four college seasons at Marquette before finishing up at Oakland. Cain appeared in 18 games for the Heat, averaging 5.4 PPG and 2.9 RPG in 13.3 MPG.

Both Robinson and Cain will play for the Heat’s Summer League team, per Winderman.

As Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald notes (via Twitter), there’s a Thursday deadline for the Heat to extend Omer Yurtseven a qualifying offer in order to make him a restricted free agent. The young center, who was on a standard contract, appeared in just nine games last season after a major ankle injury required surgery.

Victor Oladipo also has until Thursday to pick up his $9.45MM player option, Chiang adds, though that’s almost certainly a mere formality since the veteran guard will likely miss most — if not all — of next season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in April.

Damian Lillard To Meet With Trail Blazers Officials About His Future

June 26th, 2023 at 1:37pm CST by Arthur Hill

1:37pm: The meeting will take place on Monday, tweets Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT. Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, will also be present.

8:51am: The Trail Blazers’ lottery luck and the addition of a strong rookie class weren’t enough to change Damian Lillard‘s mind about playing with a young team, sources tell Sam Amick of The Athletic.

General manager Joe Cronin said over the weekend that he’ll talk with Lillard once the star guard returns from a vacation in France (Twitter link from Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan in Portland). That meeting is expected to take place early this week, giving Lillard and the Blazers time to map out their future before the start of free agency on Friday.

Portland landed the No. 3 pick in this year’s lottery and was able to add a potential future star in Scoot Henderson. The Blazers also picked up Kris Murray at No. 23 and Rayan Rupert at No. 43, adding three more prospects to the collection of young talent already on hand.

However, it’s not the type of team that Lillard prefers as he nears his 33rd birthday next month. Lillard declared after the regular season ended that he wants Cronin to add some veterans who will help turn the Blazers into a contender, and he has repeated that stance in subsequent interviews.

Amick hears that Lillard’s dream scenario is to re-sign Jerami Grant and add Draymond Green in free agency. The Warriors are reportedly confident about their chances to keep Green, but Amick states that the size of his contract could still become an issue.

Amick also points out that the Blazers don’t currently have enough cap room to sign Green, who’s believed to be seeking a new deal with a starting salary in the $20MM range. A sign-and-trade could be possible, although Amick believes a third team would have to be involved to make the financial aspects work.

Amick mentions Raptors forwards Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby as other possibilities, but he notes that Toronto has numerous teams that are interested in both players.

An important part of this week’s meeting will be for Lillard to gauge the front office’s commitment to upgrading the roster in time for next season, sources tell Amick. If he believes Cronin and owner Jody Allen are serious about building a contender, then he’ll hold off a decision about his future through at least the early part of free agency. If he’s not convinced, Lillard could decide to ask for a trade, possibly before free agency begins.

If that happens, Amick singles out the Heat as the main team to watch. Lillard has “serious interest” in going to Miami, sources tell Amick, and the Heat are believed to be equally interested in acquiring him.

Lillard’s desired destination will factor into any trade because of his years of service in Portland and the size of his contract, Amick adds. With four seasons left at $216MM, including a $63MM player option for 2026/27, Amick states that it’s hard to imagine any team trading for Lillard unless he wants to go there.

Damian Lillard Trade Would Cost Miami Most Of Its Remaining Assets

June 26th, 2023 at 11:02am CST by Arthur Hill

If the Heat acquire Damian Lillard, it will probably be the last significant move the team can make for a while, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer writes in an examination of the trade market for the Trail Blazers star. A deal with Portland would likely require Miami to give up most of its remaining assets, which include first-round picks in 2028 and 2030 and pick swaps in 2027 and 2029, along with Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez. Either Kyle Lowry or Duncan Robinson will have to be involved if a trade happens after July 1, O’Connor adds. O’Connor also looks at a potential deal with the Nets, but states that there aren’t many other teams in need of a point guard who have the assets to make a serious offer for Lillard.