Report: Heat trying to preserve cap space for max player in 2021
The Miami Heat are working on a three-team deal with the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder that would see them acquire both Andre Iguodala and Danilo Gallinari, but they are determined to protect their salary cap space going forward.
Iguodala has agreed to sign a two-year, $30 million extension with the Heat if the trade is completed, and Miami is still trying to work out an extension for Gallinari. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Heat want to make sure they have enough salary cap space available to sign a max player in 2021.
Andre Iguodala agreed to a two-year, $30M extension with Heat, but second year of deal includes team option that gives Heat cap flexibility, per sources. Miami wants space for max player in summer of 2021. https://t.co/7D8zauII8T
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020
The Heat are 34-16 and contenders in the Eastern Conference this year, which is why Pat Riley is trying to add experienced role players like Iguodala and Gallinari for the stretch run. However, Riley is wise to make sure he keeps the max slot available for 2021. Jimmy Butler is under contract with the team through the 2021-22 season with a player option for 2022-23. Breakout star Bam Adebayo is still on a rookie deal and is under team control through 2021-22, so it makes sense for the Heat to think long term in addition to trying to win now.
Gallinari is in his first season with the Thunder after being acquired in the Paul George trade. He’s averaged 19.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in 42 games for the Thunder. Iguodala has refused to play for the Grizzlies, which has led to criticism from his teammates.
