The Miami Heat had an eventful free agency following a disappointing 2020-21 campaign. They got swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and had to make improvements in the offseason. Amazingly, the South Beach franchise went out and added some key pieces that could help them get back to title contention.
They were in the NBA Finals back in 2020, and with their new additions, they should be a contender once again come 2021-22. The Heat brought in Kyle Lowry along with some critical role.
With that said, here are the Miami Heat 2021 NBA free agency grades for every signing.
Kyle Lowry: A-
It was vital for the Heat to bring in a point guard, and they signed the best available player for that position. Kyle Lowry is still an elite player at 35 years old and a perfect fit with the Heat.
Last season, Lowry averaged 17.2 points per game along with 5.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists. He also shot 39.6 percent from behind the arc on 7.2 attempts per game.
While he is entering his 16th NBA season, he is still a productive player both offensively and defensively. To acquire him, the Heat had to pull off a sign and trade with the Toronto Raptors. The deal sent Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa to the Canada-based franchise in exchange for Lowry.
Lowry joined the roster on a three-year, $85 million contract, which locks him up for multiple years.
This was a good signing for the Heat, but the main concern is if he will regress. By the end of his contract, Lowry will be 38 years old and could decline. This sign-and-trade should help the Heat get back to contention, but it was a risky signing.
PJ Tucker: B-
The Heat also signed one of the best role players in the league in PJ Tucker. He was a vital part of the Bucks' championship run last season and is a quality veteran to add. Last season, Tucker averaged 3.7 points per game along with 3.9 rebounds.
Tucker's numbers don't show his true value to teams. He is a lockdown defender and provides 3-point shooting. This is an underrated pickup by the Heat, but he is up there in age. Tucker will be in his age-36 season and the Heat signed him on a two-year, $15 million contract.
It's another risky signing, but Tucker should be a reliable veteran defender.
Markieff Morris: B
The signing of Markieff Morris is an under-the-radar pickup. After all, they signed a solid player on a veteran minimum. His championship experience should also be beneficial for the team in their attempt to return to the Finals.
Last season, Morris averaged 6.7 points per game along with 4.4 rebounds. Morris is a decent offensive player and a solid defensive forward. He should fit well with the Heat's system as an end-of-rotation guy.
This was a decent signing for Miami, getting a player who could very well make an impact this season.
Duncan Robinson: C
One of the key players for the Heat is Duncan Robinson. Robinson is an elite 3-point shooter and an integral part of the Heat offense.
The reason the signing of Robinson gets a C grade is due to his contract. Miami signed Robinson to a five-year, $90 million contract–which is a lot to pay for him. In 2020-21, Robinson averaged 13.1 points per game and shot 40.8 percent from three.
He is expected to remain a good player for the Heat, but we will have to wait and see if he can live up to the contract.
Victor Oladipo: A
Victor Oladipo is a two-time All-Star but has dealt with injuries throughout his career. He was having a solid season in 2020-21 before getting hurt once again. This caused Oladipo's value to dwindle down, and the Heat signed him to a minimum contract.
It will be a prove-it deal for Oladipo, and so Miami is getting an absolute steal with his deal. This low-risk high-reward signing could propel the Heat into title contention–especially if Dipo stays healthy.
Udonis Haslem: A-
Udonis Haslem is one of the most important veterans in the NBA. Even though he doesn't get many minutes, his impact and leadership is just as crucial. Haslem's presence in the locker room is a big part of the Heat culture. He is an elite player in his role, and resigning him to a minimum deal made a ton of sense.
Look for Haslem to continue his mentoring and presence for the Heat next season.
Dewayne Dedmon: C+
Dewayne Dedmon is a solid backup center, but it's not a major move. Dedmon averaged 7.1 points per game along with 5.4 rebounds last campaign. The Heat resigned him on a minimum deal, which will allow Dedmon to continue his role as the backup center to star Bam Adebayo.
Dedmon should have another decent season as a role player for the Heat.
Gabe Vincent: C
The Heat signed Gabe Vincent to a two-year, $3.5 million contract. It's unlikely he will see a ton of time on the floor next season, but there is no doubt he has the potential to develop into a solid contributor.
Vincent averaged 4.8 points per game and shot 37.8 percent from the field. He will need to improve, but they got him for a cheap deal.
Omer Yurtseven: C
The Heat signed Omer Yurtseven to a two-year, $3.5 contract. Yurtseven will have the chance to prove himself to play at the NBA level with his contract with the Heat.
Max Strus: B
The Heat signed Max Strus to a two-year, $3.5 million contract. Strus averaged 6.1 points per game for the Heat last campaign, and now, he has a legitimate shot at getting minutes with the South Beach franchise this time around.
He has been playing well in Summer League and looks ready to play well at the NBA level.
The Heat had a good offseason and have a roster that will be very competitive in the Eastern Conference.
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