As the time ticks toward free agency, the Miami Heat have some very important decisions to make. Sharpshooter Duncan Robinson exercised his early termination option on Sunday, making him an unrestricted free agent. While a reunion is still in play, there’s nothing that’s guaranteed until you put pen to paper. Robinson, 31, is one of the best shooters in the NBA and isn’t only drawing from the Heat, so they need to have a backup plan (or two … or three) if necessary.
A few of the benefits of Robinson exercising his option are that it dips them below the luxury tax, frees up their non-taxpayer mid-level exception and allows them more flexibility in sign-and-trades. Who are three shooters on the free agency market that Miami should target if Robinson heads elsewhere? Let’s examine!
Luke Kennard, G, Grizzlies
2024-25 stats (65 games): 8.9 PTS | 2.9 REB | 3.3 AST | 47.8 FG% | 43.3 3P% | 63.1 TS%
Skinny: Kennard has long been one of the league’s most lethal marksmen. Over the last five seasons, Kennard has drained a remarkable 45.4 percent of his 3-pointers; no player who’s attempted at least 1,000 triples over that span is above 42.4 percent. He’s led the NBA in 3-point percentage twice and has eclipsed at least 43 percent from deep over the last five years and 41 percent in six of his eight seasons. He’s elite off the catch and off movement, where he could be the perfect fit to help space the Heat’s offense. He’s not expected to return to Memphis. Thus, if the Heat can acquire Kennard with most of their non-taxpayer mid-level (~$14.1M), they should pounce.
Gary Trent Jr., G, Bucks
2024-25 stats (74 games): 11.1 PTS | 2.3 REB | 1.0 STL | 43.1 FG% | 41.6 3P% | 59.1 TS%
Skinny: Unlike the Grizzlies and Kennard, I expect the Bucks to do their best to retain their 26-year-old sniper. Milwaukee enters the summer with only nine players rostered and has over $30 million until the first apron, so they should have their full NTMLE available. Trent, who overplayed his market and was forced to sign a veteran minimum last season, blossomed from December onward after a troubling start in Milwaukee. Trent is one of the most prolific 3-and-D scorers available in free agency. He’ll have no shortage of suitors if he doesn’t return to Milwaukee, and the Heat should one of those teams weaving through the crowd if that’s the case.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G, Timberwolves
2024-25 stats (82 games): 9.4 PTS | 3.2 REB | 2.7 AST | 43.8 FG% | 38.1 3P% | 57.9 TS%
Skinny: The Timberwolves re-signed Naz Reid and Julius Randle to $225 million combined over the weekend–which could come at the expense of Alexander-Walker, who reportedly has interest from Atlanta and Detroit. He was excellent in a limited role alongside Anthony Edwards and has developed into a coveted 3-and-D guard. Over his last three seasons, he’s averaged 8.0 points on 44.0/38.5/75.7 shooting splits and still hasn’t quite scratched the surface of his full potential. If he’s truly the odd-man out, Miami should try and pursue the 6-foot-5 guard who could instantaneously provide juice as a spot-up shooter and point-of-attack defender.
Bonus: Malik Beasley, G, Pistons
This is a bonus because, as we mentioned here, Beasley’s currently undergoing a federal gambling investigation dating back to the 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. Beasley was second in the NBA in made 3-pointers (319) last year and is second in made triples (1018) and 12th in 3-point percentage (39.1) since the start of 2021-22. He’s not afraid to let them fly, but teams around the NBA will likely want more clarity on his situation before pursuing him.
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BREAKING NEWS! TERRY ROZIER CLEARED IN FEDERAL PROBE!
Rockets trying to get in on Walker and Kennard. Considering their title aspirations I could see players maybe taking a little less to join them, but they can’t add everyone their interested in, like Finney-Smith as well.
They’re* 🙁 lol
Walker is my favorite option, but he has a few suitors.
Trent I like, and would be cheaper than Walker. The word is his D is falling off, but at his price could be worth a shot.
Kennard, sure. Prefer over Burks all day, every day.
Beaz, hell no with the current investigation. Maybe it turns out it’s BS but can’t take that chance with little time in FA.