The Miami Heat’s offseason has already been wildly successful after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. But there is still work left for the Heat as free agency dwindles.
Now, the Heat are reportedly a frontrunner for four-time champion and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James. The 22-time All-Star helped Miami capture a pair of titles in 2012 and 2013, and now a reunion is on the table as James ponders where he wants to end his career.
James would be an obvious pick. Nevertheless, Miami has three roster spots open. Beggers can’t be choosers. But who are a few more low-cost free agents that could help them? Let’s examine!
Honorable Mention: DeMar DeRozan, F
The thought of DeRozan-Giannis-Bam Adebayo sharing the floor makes me squeamish. However, for the minimum, could it work? I’m still very highly skeptical because he doesn’t address any of their needs. But DeRozan’s at least worth mentioning.
Jonas Valančiūnas, C:
Skinny: The Denver Nuggets waived Valančiūnas, 34, this week, immediately making him arguably the most attractive center available not named Jalen Duren.
The 14-year veteran is at the tail-end of his career, but still has some gas left in the tank, in my opinion. He averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in just 13.4 minutes per game last year. On a per-75-possession basis, his numbers equate to 23.9 points and 13.8 rebounds.
Valančiūnas is a bruiser on the interior. He did struggle defensively in Denver. But his production and veteran leadership is worth consideration as a insurance option behind Bam Adebayo.
Gary Trent Jr., G:
Skinny: Trent is a name we’ve talked about before — especially after Miami acquired Antetokounmpo. While he has slipped defensively, he’s still one of the best shooters available, having shot 39.2 percent from 3-point range over six seasons (2019-25) before a down year (36.0 3P%, 5.3 3PA) last year. I would expect him to be more motivated in a winning environment, which Miami would provide, too.
Bruce Brown, G/F:
Skinny: While Brown has succeeded most alongside Nikola Jokic, he’s a Swiss Army Knife. He’s a good rebounder, defender, passer and an improved 3-point shooter. He’s a winning basketball player. And the Miami Heat saw it first hand in the 2023 NBA Finals against Denver. I would take a chance on Brown for a minimum.
Ochai Agbaji, G/F:
Skinny: Over the years, many of us (myself included) have lauded the Heat’s developmental staff for their work building up Duncan Robinson, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and Caleb Martin, among others. If their developmental is as good as many of us have illustrated, I wouldn’t mind buying low on a player.
Traditionally, for a team that’s trying to compete, this carries more risk. I wasn’t completely drawn to Agbaji, a former lottery pick, as a prospect. But he’s two seasons removed from averaging 10.4 points and 3.8 rebounds on 49.8/39.9/70.8 shooting splits in Toronto before a treacherous 2025-26 season. Even if he’s only a camp invite, I’d still consider taking this flier over, say, Bradley Beal or DeMar DeRozan.
Agbaji, a good athlete, has shown he’s a capable point-of-attack defender and 3-point shooter at different points of his career. This is a low-risk, high reward option if he can mesh the puzzle pieces together in Miami.
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It’s hard to speculate what the team needs until there is decision by LeBron. Hopefully, there will still be a couple of good players available for vet minimum when that happens, especially if he decides not to play for the Heat. It shouldn’t be too long, one way or another.
Wow, Matt. Be careful going out of your way to disparage DeRozan and Beal. 😛
V-town is rumored to be on the Knicks list as a Robinson replacement. He’s also rumored to be going overseas. He probably latches onto a team before we make a move.
I like Trent and Brown.