The Miami Heat wasted no time in making their first free agency move following the 2024 NBA draft. The team signed versatile forward Keshad Johnson to a two-way contract on Thursday, June 28, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. Johnson, who recently turned 23, played his fifth collegiate season for the Arizona Wildcats in 2023-24 after spending his first four years at San Diego State.
Last season, Johnson averaged 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while connecting on nearly 39% of his three-point shots, attempting a career-high 2.6 per game. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds two years ago, Johnson has the size to compete on the front line and the range to space the floor on offense.
Jonathan Givony of ESPN praised Johnson on his Draft Express X account, highlighting his fit with the Heat culture.
“Keshad Johnson brings plug-and-play, two-way versatility with his outside shooting, passing, explosiveness, and nonstop physicality and defensive intensity,” Givony wrote.
Johnson is expected to spend time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Miami’s G League affiliate. Joining him there will be another undrafted free agent, Zyon Pullin, an All-SEC guard from the Florida Gators.
Bam Adebayo Agrees to Max 3-Year Extension to Stay in Miami
The biggest contract news for the Heat came with star Bam Adebayo agreeing to a three-year maximum extension worth $166 million, according to The Athletic. Adebayo, a three-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive Team member, has been integral to Miami’s success, averaging 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game last season. He has been a key part of two Heat runs to the NBA Finals over the past five years.
Jimmy Butler Won’t Sign Extension With Heat This Summer, Future With Franchise Uncertain
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler will not receive the two-year, $113 million extension he hoped for from the Heat this summer. Instead, he has decided not to seek an extension anywhere this offseason.
“His decision to play out next season commits him to Miami and clears up any notion of a trade demand due to the lack of an extension,” Shams Charania of The Athletic reported. “Butler has an affinity for Miami and has wanted to stay with the Heat, league sources said.”
Despite Butler’s commitment to play next season, the Heat could still consider trading him. Butler has two years left on his $146.4 million contract, with a player option in the final season, allowing him to enter free agency next summer.
If the Heat do not reach a deal with Butler this offseason or before next year’s trade deadline, and fail to agree on an extension, they risk losing their leader of the past five years without any return.
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