Miami Heat 2026 Free Agency: Who stays, who goes?

Miami Heat Free Agency — We are roughly one month away from free agency, which could be quite important for the Miami Heat. (Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Fresh off a disappointing 43-win season, the Miami Heat enter a pivotal offseason where almost everything should be on the table. We are now roughly one month away from the start of free agency. So, among their three free agents — Norman Powell, Simone Fontecchio and Keshad Johnson — who should they bring back?! Let’s examine below!

Norman Powell:

Skinny: Powell had the best season of his career with Miami, although it was eventually cratered by myriad injuries. Acquired last July, Powell provided a much-needed shot in the arm offensively, averaging 2.17 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 38.0 percent shooting from 3-point range.

But injuries to his groin, ankle and back derailed his All-Star season. Both sides are interested in a reunion, although I don’t think the organization should bring him back given his age, injury history and limited impact — unless they somehow land Giannis Antetokounmpo.

At the end of the day, I think the two parties will work out an agreement. And to Bobby Marks’ point, they can bring back Powell with a $20 million starting salary while still being able to use their full mid-level exception, worth ~$15 million.

What do I think the Heat will do?: Retain Powell at three-year, $65-ish million range

What would I do?: Let him walk

Simone Fontecchio:

Skinny: Acquired as part of the Duncan Robinson sign-and-trade last summer, Fontecchio’s season was a mixed bag. In his first season with Miami, Fontecchio averaged 8.5 points and three boards on 41.2 percent shooting and 37.5 percent from 3-point range. He was fourth on the team in made threes and seventh in 3-point percentage (min. 100 3PA).

The Heat will have Fontecchio’s full bird rights. He will be one of the better knockdown shooters available in free agency. Although if the two sides agreed to continue their partnership, I think his salary would be similar to what it was in 2025-26.

What do I think the Heat will do?: Fontecchio re-signs for two years, $18 million; second year partially guaranteed

What would I do?: Let him walk

Keshad Johnson:

Skinny: Johnson still wasn’t a member of the Heat’s rotation for much of the season. But he did have a more productive — and impactful — campaign. Johnson played in twice as many games (32) as he did as a rookie (16), averaging 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds, highlighted by his 14-point, 11-rebound performance on Nov. 21 against the Chicago Bulls.

Regardless if the Heat gut their depth for Antetokounmpo (or another star), I think Johnson, a hyper-athletic defender, re-signs for the minimum, which will be worth $2.2 million for a player with Johnson’s experience.

What do I think the Heat will do?: Re-signs for minimum

What would I do?: Sign him to minimum

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