Expect the Miami Heat, as nearly every Eastern Conference candidate for a title is adding star power to their team.
The New York Knicks added talented big Mikal Bridges, the Boston Celtics, the defending champions, and the Philadelphia 76ers are the team that Paul George is most likely to sign with. The Sixers will almost certainly lose forward Tobias Harris to free agency if they acquire George. The Heat could need some more scoring in the front room, which is why Dan Favale of Bleacher Report listed Harris as their top free agent target.
Harris’s status hasn’t fallen to the point where a minimum offer is acceptable, no way in hell. However, Favale noted, “Maybe Miami can pitch him on a somewhat prominent role and the opportunity to rehab his longer-haul value.” “In the event that he declines, the Heat have options to make sure the micro MLE is accessible if he is prepared to sign for it.
Forwards Caleb Martin and Kevin Love declined their option, leaving Miami’s front office with a tough decision. If they opt to attempt to reel Martin back on a long-term deal, Harris is off the table. The 31-year-old averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds on 48.7 percent shooting last season but vanished in the postseason.
Harris fits the Heat’s demand; he has played in more than 60 games in each of the previous five seasons, so the good news is that their NBA playoff performance is not a problem. Rather, their biggest shortcoming is their lack of availability.