Coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Boston Celtics in a thrilling 7-game series, the Miami Heat will look to bounce back with a return to the NBA Finals in 2023. With their sights set on championship gold and their fourth title in franchise history, the Heat will be working tirelessly to surround Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo with as much quality talent as possible.
Heading into next season, they're hoping to avenge their bitter loss to the C's at home. On the flip side, the Heat are a resilient bunch that knows what it takes to win it all. So without further ado, let's now discuss four players Miami must sign in 2022 NBA Free Agency to return to championship stardom next year.
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Players Heat must sign in 2022 NBA Free Agency
4. Gary Payton II
His highlight reel finishes, elite defensive play, and relentless work ethic would make him a perfect fit for the Heat culture. In Miami, Gary Payton II would continue run of success and be able to take on a larger role while adding to their top-notch defensive unit. Young Glove's speed, athleticism, and slashing ability are all huge assets that the Heat could use.
Payton II also knocked down some clutch shots for the Dubs during their epic playoff run in 2022, and that would be a welcome addition for a Heat team that was the best 3-point shooting team in the league last season. For the Heat, this is one signing that would re-energize their play on both ends of the floor – especially with a proven winner like Payton II fresh off an NBA championship.
3. JaVale McGee
As an athletic big that's won multiple titles, JaVale McGee would be a missing link for the Heat at center. McGee's seamless ability to block shots, rebound, and finish strong at the rim would fill major areas of need for the Heat. His presence in the paint would also give the Heat a reliable scoring option down low. McGee is also a mobile big that runs the floor well and gives them a lob threat in transition. McGee's size and length would give the Heat a much-needed presence at the center spot that could solve their issues on the glass.
2. Kevon Looney
As an undersized big with active hands and a knack for grabbing rebounds, Kevon Looney was also vital to the Golden State Warriors' title run in 2022. His strength, hustle, and elusiveness in the paint allowed him to create more scoring opportunities for his teammates and come up with timely defensive stops all throughout the postseason.
Given the Heat's continued lack of size, adding Looney would be another game changing move for them to make during the NBA offseason. He may only be 6-foot-9, but Looney can certainly play the game bigger than he is. With Miami's brand of smash mouth basketball, Looney's tough-nosed style would fit right in.
1. Zach LaVine
Even though all signs point to Zach LaVine likely re-signing with the Chicago Bulls, the Heat could still make a play for the explosive scoring guard in free agency. As an elite three-level scorer with limitless athleticism, LaVine would be able to come right in and have an immediate impact for the Heat.
His injury history has been known to be something of a concern, but with the Heat's top-notch training staff he'd be able to stay healthy for longer periods of time and be able to endure the tenuous and demanding NBA season. With the addition of LaVine, the Heat could become the favorites out East and hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy once again in 2023.
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