The Miami Heat have extended a qualifying offer to forward Caleb Martin, making him a restricted free agent, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
Heat have extended their qualifying offer to Caleb Martin.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 21, 2022
Martin played in 60 games for the Heat this past season and had his best season thus far with career-highs across the board. He averaged 9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per game
He also shot 50.7% from the field including 41.3% from three.
The move makes perfect sense for the Heat. Heat forward P.J. Tucker declined his $7.4 million player option on Monday and Martin could be insurance in the event that Tucker signs elsewhere.
Martin started 12 games for Miami and in those games, he bumped his averages up to 13.7 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game.
He even recorded 28 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in a win against the then-defending NBA champions, Milwaukee Bucks.
As a restricted free agent, Martin can sign an offer sheet with another team but the Heat have the right to match the offer.
Martin started the 2021-22 season on a two-way contract but his improving play combined with mounting injuries for the Heat saw his role increase. On Feb. 15, Miami converted Martin’s two-way deal into a standard contract.
Martin’s high-flying dunks and pesky defense made him a fan favorite in Miami. While it is no guarantee that Tucker will sign with another team, it looks like Martin has found a home in Miami.
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