Contract Unveiled: Heat Free Agent to Re-Sign.
The Miami Heat will have 11 players entering free agency this offseason and will almost certainly bring a couple back.
One of the Heat’s most prized upcoming free agents has fortunately already stated that he would like to return. Key Heat defender Haywood Highsmith states that he would “love to stay in Miami for sure” in an interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Here, he says, “I feel like I’ve built a great life.” Also residing here is my daughter. Let’s see when the time comes, but I would absolutely love to stay in Miami if everything is close.
“Regardless of my income or other circumstances, I will remain the same person. I’m still going to be training hard in the gym and aiming for a title.
I will strive to work as hard as possible, be the team’s hardest worker, keep improving, protect the greatest player, make plays, stay in my position, and contribute to championship wins.
As a free agent in 2018, Highsmith—who was not selected—should fetch $8–10 million. Following a career-best year, the 27-year-old shot 39.6 percent from three point range and averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game in 2023–24. At six feet seven, he plays a versatile defensive position and has developed into one of the league’s best 3-and-D forwards.
As a nod to his unwavering defense, his moniker, “The Locksmith,” also serves as a fitting metaphor for his versatility in lineups.
In order for its impressive program to produce noticeable outcomes, the Heat are keeping an eye on the broader picture.
Nothing less than an NBA title will do for a team like the Heat. They have a strong lineup, led by two All-Stars and a potent backcourt, and they are hoping to hoist their fourth championship banner. The team consisting of Terry Rozier, Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and Tyler Herro does indeed score 80 points a game. Yet, the Heat’s defense has been the key to their success in the post-Big 3 era.
Miami’s athleticism is evident in their determination to have its athletes in top physical shape. They honor Erik Spoelstra’s coaching as well as their inherent qualities by being disciplined, hardhat-wearing, and persistent. Undoubtedly, the greatest coach in Heat history is Spoelstra, a brilliant tactician and master motivator who models the same work ethic for his players.
But, Heat president Pat Riley must think about trading one of their Core Four for a player who is more readily available because of their incapacity to remain fit.
Riley and Butler appear to be at odds right now, making Butler the favorite. Owing to his standing in the league, he also most likely has the highest transfer value. Because of his scoring ability, Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks will be the most desirable target in a Butler trade when considering the NBA landscape.
Butler’s forward replacement, though, is Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan, who fits in nicely. He is a more involved scorer even though he is a less formidable defense. Since he hasn’t missed more than 15 games in a row, he is also much more dependable in terms of availability. In seven of his previous seasons, Butler, for instance, has missed at least 15 games.
The Locksmith and other defenders are available in free agency, so it makes likely that they would focus on them if they are after DeRozan or Lillard. Up until then, players like Caleb Martin and Delon Wright ought to be guaranteed a spot back. Thank you for praising their defense, they’ll provide both stars with plenty of perimeter balance.