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It is no secret the Miami Heat had been saving cap space to target reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo during the 2021 NBA Free Agency. But after the Greek Freak signed an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Heat have a lot of money to work with and no obvious players to spend it on.
Given the resources the Miami Heat now have at their disposal, here are 5 players the franchise could look to acquire in 2021 NBA Free Agency.
2021 NBA Free Agency: 5 players the Miami Heat need to go after
In this list, we will be looking at gifted shot creators who can ease the playmaking load on playmaking Jimmy Butler. Scorers from next year's Free Agency class will also be desirable pieces for the Miami Heat.
#5 Mike Conley
Many experts talk about 'Playoff Rondo', but it is time that 'Playoff Conley' received some attention too.
While Donovan Mitchell was dominating headlines with his performances against the Denver Nuggets in the 2020 postseason, Mike Conley was quietly impressive. The 33-year-old routinely made clutch shots to keep his team in the series and helped take the playmaking load off of Mitchell whenever required.
His impressive performances in the regular season and ability to step it up in the postseason make him a very valuable player. The former Memphis Grizzlies star is an option the Miami Heat can pursue in the 2021 NBA Free Agency period.
#4 Tim Hardaway Jr.
While everything seems perfect in Dallas right now, there initially were reports of TIm Hardaway Jr. potentially leaving the franchise this offseason. If the situation does actually arise next year, the Miami Heat need to be first in line to bring him in.
The 28-year-old is one of those role players that every championship team needs. He is a good scorer and could function as an elite second or third option on the offense. He has also taken significant strides on the defensive end and has developed into a genuine two-way player.
Given the Miami Heat's desire for versatility in their roster, Tim Hardaway Jr. could be on the franchise's radar during the 2021 NBA Free Agency.
#3 Chris Paul
Chris Paul is one of the best point guards in the NBA at the moment. Many thought he was finished after his time with the Houston Rockets. Surprisingly, the 35-year-old has reinvented his game after his pit stop in Oklahoma City.
Chris Paul is the complete package. He is an elite shooter, one of the best playmakers in the league, and an incredible leader to boot. The only reason he is ranked at #3 on this list is because of the mystery surrounding his future with the Phoenix Suns.
If Chris Paul does decide to leave the Suns in NBA Free Agency, the Miami Heat need to do everything in their power to acquire the 'Point God' next offseason.
#2 Victor Oladipo
Despite struggling since his return from a serious injury, franchises around the league have shown great interest in Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers.
In the games that he did play after his return, the 28-year-old only offered brief glimpses of his potential. His performances may not have been those of the Oladipo of old, but he is still young and has a lot to offer.
This is one option the Miami Heat need to keep a keen eye on and must wait to see if the former All-Star does regain his earlier form. But if Victor Oladipo starts to show superstar potential once again, the franchise should not hesitate to acquire him in the 2021 NBA Free Agency.
#1 DeMar DeRozan
Miami Heat fans will remember the Herculean effort Jimmy Butler had to put in to win his team Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals. While Butler was sensational in that game, the franchise's dependence on him also exposed the Heat's biggest weakness.
The team has no one that is capable of matching Butler's scoring and playmaking capacity. While the All-Star performed brilliantly last season, the franchise needs to do what it can to provide him with some much-needed support.
This is where DeMar DeRozan comes in. While he may have the playmaking ability of Jimmy Butler, DeRozan is one of the best scorers in the league right now. Not only would he slot right into the starting lineup for the Miami Heat, but he would also allow Butler to take some rest in the postseason.
With the San Antonio Spurs star reportedly looking for a move, the Miami Heat need to make acquiring DeMar DeRozan their top priority during the 2021 NBA Free Agency.
Also Read: The case for and against the Atlanta Hawks making the NBA Playoffs 2021
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