The Miami Heat have found and developed countless players who have struggled somewhere else.
We’re talking about undrafted free agents, outcasts, misfits, or overlooked guys; they’ve found them and turned them into legit rotation players.
Notably, they might need to work their magic again in the offseason, as they’re reportedly on the verge of losing one of their key contributors in Max Strus.
According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, the Heat might be forced to let Strus go in free agency, as they can offer him around $10-12 million annually, which would translate to $35 million when factoring in luxury tax penalties.
Have heard this as well. Strus is poised to get paid. Signing him at that 10-12 M rate would cost Heat well over 35 M for one year between salary and tax. So probably better options elsewhere https://t.co/irtPwnhSQS
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) June 27, 2023
Multiple teams are reportedly keeping tabs on Strus, and while he’s expected to get the mid-level exception, some fear that other teams with cap space could go over that number to lock him up for the future.
Strus was a key contributor to their postseason success, and he made a name for himself for his shooting and hustle on both ends of the floor.
He also had some ice-cold shooting nights, and that streakiness could be a bit of a red flag.
Nonetheless, Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley have taken pride in only playing guys who actually earn their minutes, so the work ethic and constant improvement shouldn’t be a concern when it comes to signing a guy like Strus.
The Heat reportedly continue to wait for Damian Lillard, hoping he decides to force his way out of Portland, so they might be rather quiet in free agency and the trade market.
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