Last offseason, former Miami Heat player Josh Richardson returned to the franchise that drafted him. Richardson signed a team-friendly two-year contract, and just opted into his $3 million player-option to run it back in South Beach.
The two-way combo guard averaged 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 44.4% shooting in 43 games this season for Miami. Unfortunately, his season was cut short following shoulder surgery that took place around midseason. But he will reportedly be ready to go for this year’s training camp and ready for a bounce back year.
Heat guard Josh Richardson is picking up his $3 million player option to return for the 2024-25 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Richardson was a key part of Miami’s rotation before shoulder injury in February. He is expected to make a full recovery for next season. pic.twitter.com/xMFzbVULqx
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2024
Richardson provided guard depth in coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation prior to going down with the injury. His point of attack defense and ability to spread the floor makes him a solid piece to this roster surrounding the Jimmy Butler/Bam Adebayo core. Before he suffered the shoulder injury, he was finally getting a feel for the team’s offense.
The injury was a tough blow to a Heat team that was thin on guard depth all season long. His absence forced the team into signing Patty Mills and Delon Wright off the buyout market. Although Wright provided impressive defense, neither of those options proved to be better all-around than Richardson.
Drafted by Miami in 2015 and then traded for Butler in 2019, it was a full circle moment to have Richardson repping a Heat jersey again. Now, he can continue what he started and become another veteran asset on the roster.
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Excellent. I’m very glad he’s coming back. Josh is an “old school” Heat player. He’s the only player that was around when Bam first arrived. If he has another good year, I would love for the Heat to give him a new extension with a nice bump in pay. Jaime “El Guaco” said he was the one veteran who took him under his wing when he first arrived in Miami.
Barring any trades, which I still think are possible, the 2024-2025 team is starting to take shape.
GO HEAT!!!
Very good. Expected. Things are coming together.
Great deal for the Heat.