Our Heat off-season companion part 2 article discusses Max Strus’ likely departure, Victor Oladipo opting in for next season, and Kyle Lowry’s uncertain future with the Heat. The Heat are already moving forward ahead of the start of 2023 free agency. Let’s discuss these topics.
Heat Off-Season Companion Part 2: Max Strus Appears Quite Likely to Leave the Heat
Max Strus was an important part in the Heat’s run to the 2023 NBA Finals. He was also on a team-friendly contract during last season. However, there has been quite a bit of interest in Max Strus from other teams.
More specifically, the Indiana Pacers could potentially offer Max Strus a three-year, $48 million contract. The Heat do not have too much money to spend in free agency. As a result, it is likely that Max Strus will join another team and receive a bigger contract.
At the very least, it seems unlikely that the Heat will overpay Strus to keep him on the team. Strus contributed to the Heat while he was on the team. It does seem to be time for Strus and the Heat to part ways, though.
Kyle Lowry Will Probably Not Return to the Heat Next Season
Kyle Lowry came off the bench in the 2023 NBA playoffs. Lowry is still making $27 million but he is now in the final year of his contract. As a result, reports indicate that the Heat are looking to trade Lowry to get rid of this contract.
If that does not happen, the Heat are willing to waive Lowry. In any case, it seems unlikely that the Heat will retain Lowry going into next season. The Heat will have to sign a new backup point guard, but that shouldn’t be too difficult, especially given the Heat’s success last season.
Heat Off-Season Companion Part 2: Victor Oladipo Exercised His Player Option for Next Season
One player who will be returning to the Heat next season is Victor Oladipo. Oladipo exercised his $9.4 million player option for next season, the 2023-24 season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. This is unsurprising, given Oladipo’s recent injury.
Hopefully, Oladipo will return from injury successfully and contribute to the Heat. Oladipo has had a difficult time with injuries lately. It is no surprise that he decided to opt in and choose the security of his current contract with the Heat.
The Heat Will Have a Chance to Do Something Big in Free Agency
The Heat do not have that much cap space, but they can send out a fair amount of money in trades. As a result, the Heat have an opportunity to make a big move once free agency starts. Hopefully, they do just that and add some much-needed scoring to the team. I would bet that the Heat make at least one significant move during 2023 NBA free agency.
Check back next week for more Heat content.