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Two-Way Decisions on the Horizon: Miami’s Next Moves After Summer League

The Miami Heat are your 2024 Las Vegas Summer League Champions.

The Heat summer league team defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in the championship game on Monday, 120-118, after going a perfect 6-0 over the previous three weeks.

The championship game on Monday night was an intense thriller that ended in overtime for both sides. The teams exchanged baskets in overtime until Pelle Larsson made the shot that gave Miami the victory. Josh Christopher was the Summer League Champion MVP.

Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Summer League is over with, Miami is facing challenging roster decisions regarding their summer league players in the coming months. Larsson and Kel’el Ware, the Heat’s two draft picks, are already on guaranteed contracts, so our attention won’t be on them. Miami will carry 14 players under standard contracts due to salary cap constraints. Therefore, our focus turns to the Heat’s three two-way contracts, currently held by Zyon Pullin, Keshad Johnson, and Dru Smith, who is currently recovering from an injury.

The Lock

Of all the two-way players, forward Keshad Johnson is the only one guaranteed a spot. Despite his summer league season being cut short due to injuries, Johnson showed more than enough to solidify his position. His athleticism and versatility have impressed fans and Heat officials alike. Over six summer league games, Johnson averaged 11.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Throughout these contests, he shot 38.9% from three-point range (7 for 18) and contributed six blocks and nine steals. If the roster remains unchanged, there’s a strong possibility his contract could eventually be converted to the pro-rated minimum during the 2024–25 season as the team navigates salary cap rules.

Candidates for Two-Way Deals

With Johnson’s spot locked in, that leaves the two remaining spots—currently held by Pullin and Smith—potentially up for grabs. Miami can only have three two-way players during the regular season, and these contracts do not count against the salary cap, giving them flexibility to replace if needed. With that said, I will now outline the four candidates for these two open spots.

Josh Christopher

Let’s begin with the Summer League Finals MVP, Josh Christopher. During the Vegas Summer League games, he impressed everyone with his scoring ability and individual defense. Christopher averaged 19.3 points, three rebounds, and two steals per game while shooting 54.1% from the field and 52.5% from beyond the arc. Throughout the Summer League, there were several instances where the Heat relied heavily on Christopher’s scoring in clutch situations.

Following a strong showing in the Summer League, Christopher is now seeking to secure a spot on an NBA roster. As an unrestricted free agent, he can sign a standard contract or a two-way deal with any team. Miami could extend an Exhibit 10 contract, essentially a training camp invitation. However, given Christopher’s performances, the Heat may need to offer him a two-way contract to retain him.

Alondes Williams

Alondes Williams is another candidate for one of the Heat’s two-way contracts. In Monday’s championship game, he kept Miami competitive and showcased his playmaking skills with 21 points and six assists. Last week in Las Vegas against the Dallas Mavericks, he also delivered what might be the dunk of the summer. Williams has always been known for his athleticism; the areas he focused on improving were his defense, playmaking, and ability to play off the ball.

Having spent last season on a two-way deal with the Heat, Williams became an unrestricted free agent after the Heat withdrew their qualifying offer a few weeks ago. He now has the freedom to sign a two-way deal or a standard contract with any NBA team.

Isaiah Stevens

Isaiah Stevens, another standout from the Heat in the Summer League, has impressed everyone with his playmaking and outside shooting despite his undersized stature at 6 feet and 185 pounds. He played a pivotal role in the Heat’s undefeated record in Vegas, displaying poise and leadership as the team’s floor general. In his six appearances in Vegas, he averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 59.4% from the field and 63.6% from beyond the arc. Stevens is currently under an Exhibit 10 contract, which prevents other teams from poaching him from the Heat and gives the Heat more time to evaluate his potential.

Cole Swider

Like Williams, Cole Swider had his qualifying offer rescinded a few weeks ago. Swider spent last season on a two-way deal with the Heat. He is coming off a strong game where he scored 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including 5-of-8 from three-point range. During his summer league stint with the Heat, Swider has demonstrated his ability to make threes at the NBA level. However, there remains a question of what else he can contribute when his three-point shot is not falling. Nevertheless, Swider should receive an opportunity somewhere given the demand for shooting. Whether that opportunity will be with the Heat remains to be seen.

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Adebayo Speaks Out: Still Irked about the DPOY Snub

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Bam Adebayo is one of the best defenders in this league, without question. Before making the All-Defensive first team, Adebayo made the second team four consecutive seasons. This past season, Adebayo was one of three finalist s for the Defensive Player of the Year award, which was won by Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert. Despite finishing in the top five in the voting for the past five years, The Miami Heat center is irked that he hasn’t yet won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year title.

“I have to do all this and average 20, 10 and 5,” Adebayo told Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill about his responsibilities on both ends, which include playing elite defense.

The Heat center had more to say about the DPOY conversation Goodwill had with Adebayo from Las Vegas, the site of Team USA men’s basketball’s Olympic training camp. It’s obvious that the conversation has been bugging the center for a while.

“That’s one thing that irks me, it’s not my fault I’m versatile,” Adebayo added. “I’ve been top five in DPOY voting the last five years, there’s been guys y’all (media) been giving it to over me.

A point guard (Marcus Smart) got it over me, a center (Rudy Gobert) got it over me, a power forward (Jaren Jackson Jr.) has gotten it over me. The goalposts move for me, in certain degrees. It’s me and a lot of undrafted dudes, and we still have a top-five defense. These other guys have All-NBA dudes (around them). Some of it is, they don’t really care about us and that’s fine. I think they should pay attention to consistency because being top five DPOY, I think I have the longest streak of All-Defensive teams so the goalposts move for me.”

via Yahoo Sports

Playing Both Ends

Given that he plays a bigger role for his squad than some of these other players do for their individual teams, Adebayo might have a point. Every night, he’s responsible for anchoring the Heat’s defense while being the second option, sometimes even first when Jimmy Butler is out. Additionally, he has to switch out on perimeter players and guard opposing centers taller than him. Over the past five seasons, Miami has ranked 4th overall in defensive ratings with 111.1.

Adebayo is still young—he turns 27 on July 18—so he is still very much in his prime and should have many more seasons to win the DPOY title.

After being this close so many times, you would think that eventually he’s going to win the award. But the rise of San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama may also prevent him or anyone else from winning that award for years. In the end, nevertheless, Adebayo’s arguments are acknowledged.

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HEAT expect to lock in Bam Adebayo with 3-Year Extension

Photo via Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

The Miami Heat have locked in one of their stars for additional years. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Heat all-star Bam Adebayo intends to sign his contract extension with the Heat. It’s a three-year, $166 million extension. Adebayo can officially sign once the league’s offseason moratorium is over.

Bam Season Overview

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Adebayo has two years and approximately $72 million remaining on his current deal with the Heat. The All-Star center received his third career All-Star selection while averaging 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this past season. After being selected for four consecutive years to the second team, he was named to the NBA All-Defensive first team for the first time in his career. He also finished in the top five in the Defensive Player of the Year voting for the fifth consecutive year, trailing only center Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves and center Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.

Butler’s Future

While Adebayo’s future status with the team is secured, his teammate Jimmy Butler‘s future with the team remains in question. The Heat president Pat Riley told reporters last month that the team is in no rush to offer Butler an extension. Butler has a $52 million player option after next season.

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Report: HEAT Showing Interest in Tristan Da Silva at No. 15

We’re only a few days away from the 2024 NBA Draft! Unlike previous years, the 2024 NBA draft will take place over two nights. The first round will begin on Wednesday, with the second round following on Thursday. The Miami Heat have decisions to make with the 15th and 43rd picks in the draft. While considered one of the weaker drafts in league history, there’s still contributors that could be found in this draft. One of the prospects the Heat are reportedly keeping an eye on is Colorado forward Tristan Da Silva, as ESPN’s Jeremy Woo reported earlier this week.

“Da Silva was a surprising omission from the NBA’s early green-room list, but he may still earn an invitation, with firm interest in inside the top 20. He has interest as high as Memphis at No. 9, but will likely fall into the next range, where an array of playoff-caliber teams, including the Kings, Heat, Sixers, and Lakers, are all interested in his services.

Jeremy Woo of ESPN

Despite the reported interest, there hasn’t been any news of Da Silva working out with Miami. Hoopshype hasn’t included his name in their draft workout tracker for Miami. However, teams have worked out players privately before. And Miami has a history on keeping things quiet at times.

Time at Colorado

via Getty Images

Unlike most potential first round prospects, Da Silvia spent four years in college. A three-year starter with the Colorado Buffaloes, he averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 39.5 percent from 3-point range, 49.3 from the field, and converted 83.5 percent from the free-throw line. He was the primary factor in Colorado clinching their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2021 and was named an All-Pac-12 selection for the second time in his career. He’s not known for being athletic, but his shooting, versatility, and basketball IQ has appealed to teams.

Should the HEAT draft Tristan at 15? Let us know.

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Haywood Highsmith in Demand? One Insider says he could be

This summer will be a significant offseason for the Miami Heat. Besides the Jimmy Butler extension situation, they also have a ton of upcoming free agents. The Heat currently have seven or more possible free agents available for this summer depending on the players opt out decisions. Among them is Haywood Highsmith, who has played for the team for the past three seasons. Later this month, Highsmith is expected to be an unrestricted free agency. As per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Highsmith is receiving a lot of interest from teams all over the league.

“I would say Haywood [Highsmith] has a lot of interest from teams around the league because of the prototype that he fits, which is a 3-and-D guy,” Michael Scotto of HoopsHype stated on the Locked On Heat Podcast on Friday. “(He) shot 40 percent from 3, which is a high watermark for teams around the league. Defensively, you guys know in Miami, him being ‘The Locksmith.’

“His wingspan at 7-foot-1 allows him to guard some of the best players in the league, whether it’s Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown–who they’ve gone up against a bunch–and even Jalen Brunson. He’s always guarding the top perimeter player. And in a league where there hasn’t been as much of an emphasis on defense, you need guys like that to win.”

Highsmith Wants to Remain in Miami

With the Heat trying to avoid the punitive second apron, it’s likely to affect many of their decisions next month. Caleb Martin, another key free agent, is projected to receive offers around $12 million, which would likely price him out of the Heat’s range. Martin would love to return to Miami, but his future seems murky because of this. Like Martin, Highsmith also recently expressed his desire to remain in Miami.

“I’d love to stay in Miami for sure. I feel like I’ve built a great life out here. My daughter lives out here as well. If all things are close, I definitely would love to stay in Miami, but we’ll see when that time comes. I’ll still be the same person no matter how much I get paid or whatever happens. I’ll still be in the gym locked in and trying to win a championship.”

Highsmith via Michael Scotto’s Hoopshype Podcast

With Miami having a busy summer ahead of them as they look at improving their squad, it is unclear what will happen with Highsmith in free agency, which begins June 30. Miami is attempting to improve their roster to avoid another play-in tournament and contend in the Eastern Conference.

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Report: Patty Mills Agrees to Deal with Miami HEAT

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In one of the most random signings in the Miami Heat history, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the team is signing guard Patty Mills to a guaranteed deal. Mills agreed to a buyout deal with the Atlanta Hawks last week. Since he was waived before the March 1st buyout deadline, he’s eligible to play with the team in the postseason. Miami is expected to waive guard Dru Smith to sign Mills.

More About Mills

Via Getty Images

The 15-year veteran has always been a thorn on the Heat’s side with his shooting throughout his career. Especially during his time with the Spurs. Mills has shot 38.9 percent throughout his career. However, his playing time has dwindled over the years. This season with the Hawks, he’s only played in 19 of 58 games for the Hawks, averaging 2.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 10 minutes per game with Atlanta.

Mills is the third guard the Heat have added via the trade and free agency market. With Mills now on the roster, the Heat have all roster spots filled for the postseason.

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Unpacking Paul Pierce’s Comments on the Miami Heat as a Threat to the Boston Celtics

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With 26 games left in the regular season, the Miami Heat currently sits at the eight seed in the Eastern Conference Standings. Eight-seeded teams don’t usually pose a threat to the top seeded teams. However, Miami did that twice during last year’s playoff run to the NBA Finals. Because of this, the Heat have many keeping an eye on them as the playoffs nears. Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce is one of them. Count Pierce among those who think Miami can pose a threat to Boston.

Playoff Battles

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Boston and Miami have had their playoff battles over the years. Since acquiring Jimmy Butler in 2019, the Celtics and Heat have faced each other three times in the Eastern Conference Finals. Miami has won two of the last three series matchups between the two teams. Last year’s Eastern Conference Finals matchup ended up being a thrilling one as the Heat defeated the Celtics in seven games to clinch their NBA Finals berth.

This year’s Boston team looks drastically different than last year. They acquired Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday this past offseason through trade. The moves have significantly improved the team, with Boston posting the league’s best record. They’re also had Miami’s number this season, sweeping the Heat in the regular season 3-0.

However, the Heat are not currently looking ahead. After being in the top 4 in the standings for the early part of the season, Miami has fallen down the standings. A seven-game losing streak significantly changed their seeding. Now, Miami is looking to move up the standings. Despite having success as a play-in team last year, Miami is looking to avoid that this season. As of Sunday afternoon, they currently sit one game behind the Indiana Pacers for the sixth seed in the East standings.

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Kyle Lowry On the Move?

(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

It’s that time of year again. Where teams make trades to either improve their roster or rebuild. With the February 8th NBA trade deadline approaching, teams have been actively engaged in trade discussions. This season, there are a few teams that are said to be sellers, such as the Charlotte Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks among others. And then you have teams like the Miami Heat, who are trying to improve their title contention. According to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang, they have been exploring Kyle Lowry trades to do so.

“The Heat continues to explore trades involving Lowry ahead of the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline, according to multiple league sources,” Chiang wrote. “Lowry holds value on the trade market with his sizable expiring $29.7 million salary.”

Bench Role

Via Getty Images

Just recently, the Heat made decided to take Lowry out of the starting lineup after 35 appearances. He has not scored double figures since January 3, when he scored 10 points, and since the beginning of January, his average has only been 4.4 points and 3.6 assists per game. Although Lowry finished the previous season in a reserve role, the new role may prove beneficial for him. Just like it did last season. However, the experiment has not yet paid off, as Miami has lost its first two games without Lowry in the starting lineup.

Seeking Guard Help

Miami would like to acquire a scoring guard. Guards like Dejounte Murray, Tyus Jones, and Terry Rozier have been listed as trade candidates. Rozier has been a popular name linked to Miami. With one more guaranteed season left on his deal, Rozier has become a far more appealing trade chip because of his play this year, especially during Lamelo Ball‘s absence with the sprained ankle. He’s posting career-highs in both assists (6.7) and points (23.6) per game. The 29-year-old guard also has a field goal percentage of 46 percent, of which he is making 36.7 percent from three-point range.

With a record of 24-19, the Heat are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and are seeking a repeat trip to the NBA Finals, though they will probably need to add some players to overcome a tight Eastern Conference race. We will see if they’re able to make a move between now and the trade deadline.

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Report: HEAT, Bucks Linked as Potential PJ Tucker Destinations

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Despite dealing with multiple injuries and lineup changes, the Miami Heat sit at the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. With their rookie forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. playing ahead of schedule, the Heat have been able to stay in the middle of the competitive Eastern Conference. His arrival has allowed the Heat to wind stand the injuries to their top three players this season. Still, Miami could seek additional moves with the trade deadline being almost two months away. There are reports that Miami could be interested in bringing on of their former players back in PJ Tucker.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that both the Bucks and Heat expressed “a healthy level of admiration”for Tucker, who has been seeking more playing time or a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers.

(Jack Dempsey / Associated Press)

The veteran forward has not seen playing time since November 27th and remains as a reserve while the Clippers explore trade options ahead of February’s trade deadline. Tucker has averaged 1.2 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 28.6 percent in 12 games with the Clippers. Before the trade, he was a consistent starter for the Philadelphia 76ers. He previously played for both the Heat and Bucks’

Trade Complications

Stein adds a potential deal for Tucker doesn’t seem possible this season. Why? Because Tucker’s contract complicates things in regard to a trade. He’s making $11 million this season and is guaranteed $11.5 million next season. That’s a lot of money for any team to take on and salary to send out for an aging player. Especially in a one-for-one trade. If he’s traded this season, it’s more possible he’s in a larger deal as a salary filler. Miami is also deep in the forward positions and may lack the playing time Tucker desires.

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Takeaways from the Miami Heat’s Victory over the Magic

Photo by Heat.com

It was a short one-game road trip for the Miami Heat. They faced their divisional rival the Orlando Magic, who have one of the best records in the Eastern Conference. The Magic proved tough for Miami early on with them getting easy baskets off the cut. They caught Miami sleeping multiple times on defense. Then, Miami picked up their defensive intensity and went up by double-digits. They kept it going from there and ended up winning the game. With the win, Miami moves to 16-12 for the season. Here are my takeaways from Miami’s win over Orlando.

Explosive Second Quarter

This was arguably the best second quarter for the Heat this season. The second quarter began with both teams trading baskets. Orlando was able to get baskets off of cuts. However, things started to change quickly halfway through the quarter. Miami went on a 17-0 run to lead by 18 points at halftime. They hit 12 consecutive shots in a row to finish the quarter. Didn’t miss a shot attempt in the final six minutes of the quarter. Miami picked up the defensive intensity and it opened up things on the offensive end. The ball was moving, and Miami was finding their open shooters.

Highsmith’s Two-Way Play

It was a bit of slow start for Haywood Highsmith. He had a bad turnover on the fastbreak and couldn’t knock down the open triples. With the defense focused on Miami’s shooters, they were willing to give up the open corner three-pointers for Highsmith. But then, Highsmith’s play got better and it ended up sparking a huge Heat second quarter run. Highsmith was getting multiple defensive stops, diving on the floor for loose ball, and knocking down the open triples. Highsmith had four triples in the second quarter.

Tyler’s Great All-Around Game

This was one of Tyler Herro‘s better all-around game of the season. He was scoring on all level of the court. He had different counters for the Magic defenders. Most importantly, nothing was forced from Herro on the offensive end. Everything was in the flow of the offense. The transition pull-up three-pointers were there. There was one play where he took the bump, spun around, and hit the turnaround jumper. Having the ability to score in different areas has been a huge improvement in Herro’s game. He also got his teammates involved and dished out multiple assists. He was very close to getting a triple double on Wednesday night. Herro finished the night with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

Robinson’s Playmaking

It was clear the Magic were defending Duncan Robinson for the three-point shot all night. They played him tight the moment he stepped on the court. They seemed willing to give up the open corner shots and take their chances so long as Robinson wasn’t the one taking them. Despite this, Robinson still ended up beating them in other ways. Robinson continued to show his improvement off the dribble as he got into the paint. He either scored or assisted on his drives to the paint. Robinson ended the night with 12 points and six assists.

Next up: The Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Game tips off at 8pm eastern.

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