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After a promising playoffs run that saw them take the LA Lakers to six games in the 2020 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat will look to continue their good form next season. With NBA Trade Rumors linking some of their current players with other teams, the Heat could have a much-changed roster next season.
On that note, here are five players who are not likely to play for the franchise in the 2020-21 NBA season.
NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players unlikely to return for the Miami Heat in the 2020-21 season
For this list, we have taken cognizance of NBA trade rumors about various Miami Heat players before picking out a few who are the most likely to leave the franchise. Without further ado, let's take a look at five such players.
#1 Meyers Leonard
After being a starter for most of the regular season, center Meyers Leonard was given a bench role by head coach Erik Spoelstra in the off-season. The former Portland Trail Blazers star impressed in his new role as he played some key minutes in the absence of Bam Adebayo.
However, with Miami Heat looking to continue with a small lineup, Leonard could be on the move. With his 3-point shooting being a valuable asset, multiple teams could look for his services if he decides to leave the Heat in order to get more playing time.
#2 Udonis Haslem
After playing for the Miami Heat for close to two decades, 18 years to be exact, it might be finally time for Udonis Haslem to move on.
The veteran has seen it all with the Heat. He was a key figure in the franchise's three title wins and stuck around with the Miami Heat after LeBron James left for Cleveland Cavaliers. The Heat consider Haslem a key player in their roster as he provides invaluable intangibles like locker-room presence.
However, the 2019-20 NBA season could have been Haslem's last with the franchise. That is because the Miami Heat are looking to save as much cap space as possible to cater to Bam Adebayo's extension and the impending arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers' Kyle Kuzma on multiple teams' radars, Miami Heat should be careful while chasing Giannis Antetokoumpo.
#3 Derrick Jones Jr.
One of the most athletic players in the NBA, Derrick Jones Jr. is an elite defender in multiple positions and also in scoring points after coming off the bench. However, with Erik Spoelstra using Jones sparingly as a role player in the 2020 postseason, the Miami Heat player saw reduced game-time compared to that in the regular season.
Jones Jr. could be on the move this off-season also because of his contract expiring and the fact that the Miami Heat are unlikely to offer him a new one.
Nevertheless, there are multiple NBA teams who could use Jones' positional versatility and athleticism. Charlotte Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers have been mooted as the player's next destination as per some of the latest NBA trade rumors in this regard.
#4 Goran Dragic
Veteran point guard Goran Dragic was arguably the third-most important player for the Miami Heat in the 2020 NBA playoffs.
Be it his prolific scoring or the ability to make plays when Jimmy Butler took the backseat, the Slovenian provided incredible value whenever he was on the floor.
With the former Phoenix Suns player eligible for a new contract this off-season, there are chances that he could opt for a new challenge and move to a different team before the start of the next season.
#5 Jae Crowder
Acquired in a trade that was centered around veteran small forward Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder was superb for the Miami Heat in the 2020 NBA postseason. He troubled opposition forwards with his gritty defense and helped in offense as well with his ability to space the floor.
Signed on a rental, Crowder will have a chance to negotiate a big contract with the Miami Heat after his heroics in the playoffs.
With shooting and defense considered as valuable attributes to have in the NBA in recent times, the versatile Jae Crowder is a must-have player for any franchise in the competition. If the Heat are not able to provide him a better contract, Crowder could likely opt to test the free agency market.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers planning to take the league by storm by partnering Chris Paul with LeBron James this off-season.
