The Miami Heat are in danger of losing two valuable pieces from their recent playoff campaigns in Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith, according to long-time Heat beat writer Ira Winderman.
The Heat are looking to rejig their roster after another mediocre regular-season run and a first-round exit to their Eastern Conference rivals, the Boston Celtics.
Miami executives, led by president of basketball operations Pat Riley, made the initial move by retaining the service of former All-Star Kevin Love to a team-friendly two-year, $8 million deal with no option, per NBA insider Shams Charania of the Athletic.
However, the Heat are reportedly contemplating re-signing Martin and Highsmith, who played significant roles during the team’s Cinderella run to the 2023 NBA Finals.
Winderman added that the Heat are open to finding replacements on minimum deals if they can’t reach an agreement with these players this free agency season.
As for Heat, still in holding pattern with Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith. Heat liklely shopping externally for minimums, which comes later.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) June 30, 2024
Martin, 28, played 64 games with the Heat last regular-season season, playing a crucial role for the team off the bench. He averaged 10.0 points on 43 FG%, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 27.5 minutes per game.
Highsmith, 27, also improved his production last season, averaging 6.1 points on 46.5 FG% and 3.2 rebounds in 20.7 minutes per game. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra often designated him to cover the best perimeter scorer on the opposing team, especially when Jimmy Butler is unavailable to play or taking a breather on the sideline.
THE CONVERSATION.