Q: Ira, I remember when the Knicks signed Jalen Brunson from Dallas, they got him for a contract less than Tyler Herro received that year. Sometimes, it’s finding the right free agent instead of the biggest name. We always hear about the Heat’s college scouting, but there also are diamonds in the rough in free agency. – Nate.
A: A similar example was a move that also involved the Knicks, last summer, when the Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein away from New York on a three-year, $87 million deal, strengthening their position in the middle. You could also make a case about the Warriors’ signing last summer of Buddy Hield, considering what he has done lately for Golden State. But keep in mind that Brunson stepped to this next level because of the players who are alongside, such as New York additions of OG Anunoby and then Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. So when considering whether the Heat can find a cost-effective free-agent-in-the-raw, it comes down to who you are attempting to augment, and whether that means building around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, or in place of one or both.
Q: The salary aprons will bring the top teams back down in a season or so. The Heat are fine despite how the season ended. Adding a few of the right free agents can open the floor up and have a domino effect on Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware. None of these playoff teams are super teams by any means. – Tom.
A: Hmm, measured perspective? Impressive. And, yes, as stated above, identifying the proper pieces, be it free agency or trades, is critical if you are considering augmenting as the most realistic option for a turnaround. But I also would not be so quick to write off the Thunder as being short of a super team. There is a load of concentrated talent there.
Q: Hi, Ira, Does it make sense to pay the big money to a 37-year-old Kevin Durant at the cost of God knows how many valuable assets, when we could have paid the big money to a 36-year-old Jimmy Butler with no loss of additional assets? Are there some salary nuances I’m not taking into account here? – Ray, Deerfield Beach.
A: Yes, you are, such as Jimmy Butler stopped showing up for work, and that was even before he decided he no longer wanted to be here. While Kevin Durant certainly has had his share of wanderlust over the years, when he has put in the work as expected at each stop. To a degree, Durant could represent the stability that Jimmy Butler was so disinterested in providing.
Originally Published: May 12, 2025 at 5:37 AM EDT
