Heat Latest Updates: Pat Riley Discusses Cap Situation Amid Potential Player Departure.
The Miami Heat’s salary cap situation is becoming clearer as free agency approaches. Guard Josh Richardson has opted into his $3.1 million player option for next season, while veteran center Kevin Love plans to opt out of his $4 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent.
Both sides hope Love will re-sign with the Heat on a potentially cheaper minimum contract, which would allow Miami more flexibility under the salary cap to retain its own free agents. Love, who turns 36 in September, has expressed a desire to continue with the Heat, and the team is eager to keep him. The Heat is also awaiting decisions from Caleb Martin and Thomas Bryant regarding their player options, due by Saturday at 5 p.m.
Last season, Love proved to be a reliable backup center, averaging 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 34.4% from three-point range. His per-36-minute averages included 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, marking his best output in these categories in recent years. The Heat outscored opponents by 6.5 points per 100 possessions with Love on the court.
With Richardson opting in and Love opting out, the Heat’s current cap situation includes nine players with guaranteed contracts: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Richardson, and Nikola Jovic. The Heat may also sign second-round pick Pelle Larsson to a standard or two-way contract.
Additionally, the Heat signed undrafted players Zyon Pullin and Keshad Johnson to two-way deals and extended qualifying offers to Cole Swider and Alondes Williams, making them restricted free agents. Jamal Cain, however, did not receive a qualifying offer and will become an unrestricted free agent.
The Heat’s roster from last season includes several players who will enter free agency, including Haywood Highsmith, Patty Mills, and Delon Wright. Negotiations with outside teams can begin on Sunday at 6 p.m.
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