The Miami Heat have chosen to exercise a $3.5 million, fourth-year option on forward Justise Winslow, according to ESPN Insider Bobby Marks. Coming into his third year in the league, the Duke standout will battle for the starting small forward spot at the beginning of training camp, going against newly-extended Josh Richardson and Rodney McGruder.
President Pat Riley has been a major proponent on Winslow's all-around abilities, but the 21-year-old will need to show a major improvement coming into his third season to garner the starting job.
Despite posting 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists through 18 games in an injury-shortened season, Winslow struggled from the field in his second year in the league, shooting only 35.6 percent from the field and 20 percent from deep.
A 6-foot-7, 225-pound prototypical small forward, Winslow has seen his woes come back to bite him, struggling to hit from the perimeter and cash in on the free-throw line — struggles that can cost him a position with the likes of Richardson, who has carved a niche as a three-and-D specialist in this league.
Miami has put forward $3.5 million reasons to believe in his potential, now only time will tell if Winslow turns out to be a safe investment. The 21-year-old will earn $2.7 million this season before getting a raise to his optioned sum in 2018-19.
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