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The Miami Heat retained most of the players that featured in their 2020 NBA Finals bout against the LA Lakers in the Orlando bubble, losing only Jae Crowder to the Phoenix Suns. However, they failed to replicate a deep run in the 2021 NBA playoffs as they were thrashed by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.
Their first-round exit was an extension of the average showing in the regular season. The Miami Heat finished sixth with a 40-32 run in the Eastern Conference to earn their playoff spot. But they could not win a game against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, who are currently in a neck-and-neck contest for the NBA championship.
To avoid another first-round exit in the 2022 playoffs, rest assured Erik Spoelstra and the Heat's front office are plotting and figuring out ways to bolster their roster. Being the first team to exit the playoffs, the Miami Heat have had ample time to weigh their options and decide on the best route ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season.
That said, here are three bold moves that the Miami Heat could make in the 2021 offseason.
#1 The Miami Heat will part ways with their veterans
Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala have made significant contributions to the Miami Heat's offense and defense over the years. However, the Heat will not exercise their club options regarding both players.
The decision not to re-sign both players will be based on cap space and not necessarily production. If the Miami Heat decides to activate their club option, Dragic will earn $19.4 million in the 2021-22 season, while Iguodala will earn a base salary of $15 million.
Injury is also a factor to consider, especially with Dragic. The 35-year-old point guard has been hampered by injuries in the last three seasons. Regardless, he was always one of the most productive players for the Miami Heat whenever he was healthy.
Iguodala clocked 37 in the 2020-21 season but continued to be a valuable rotation player for the Miami Heat. However, his $15 million will be too much of a burden for the franchise because of their limited cap space.
Although both are exceptional talents and will be sought after in free agency, their run with the Miami Heat might see its end this offseason.
#2 The Miami Heat will match any offer for Duncan Robinson
Duncan Robinson has been a crucial part of the Miami Heat's offense for the past two seasons, making his departure from the franchise during the 2021 offseason highly unlikely. Although he will enter free agency as a restricted free agent, the Heat will match whatever he is offered, only if they do not agree on terms before offer sheets start rolling in.
Robinson was sensational for the Miami Heat from three-point range. His consistency is commendable, as he has made 520 three-pointers in the last two seasons. Only Sacramento Kings' Buddy Hield and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers knocked down more 3-point shots in the same period.
Losing a sharpshooter like that would be unwise, especially with how teams set up plays to create open looks from the perimeter. Three-point shooting is crucial for a team that hopes to compete for the championship, which is why the Miami Heat will hold on to Robinson.
#3 Aggressively pursue an elite point guard
The Miami Heat are well-known for pursuing All-Star caliber players, and in most cases, they get them. Jimmy Butler's acquisition was the most recent, which led them to the 2020 NBA Finals.
With their disappointing display in the 2021 playoffs, the Miami Heat will be in the market to bolster their squad to have another go at the championship.
Trade rumors have surrounded Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard, with reports suggesting he would like to compete for a championship. The Miami Heat have been mentioned as a landing spot and stand a good chance of sealing the deal if Lillard requests a trade.
Kyle Lowry is another elite guard that the Miami Heat will pursue in the 2020 offseason. They had the chance to sign him at the trade deadline but were not willing to give up multiple members of their young core to complete the trade.
Lowry will become an unrestricted free agent this summer and will be open to offers. With Dragic and Iguodala gone, the Miami Heat will have enough cap space to match the salary range he might demand.
Undoubtedly, his addition will make the Miami Heat a formidable championship contender. His work rate on defense and ability to take some pressure off Jimmy Butler on offense will make him the perfect fit.
Guess the Lakers players!
