The sharpshooting veteran returns to South Florida, bringing elite perimeter scoring to bolster a revamped roster headlined by the Miami Heat's new Giannis Antetokounmpo-Bam Adebayo star duo.
MIAMI, Fla. – Following the official 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time full opening of NBA free agency, the Miami Heat were among the first to secure a new deal. It was reported that the organization and sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. agreed to terms on a one-year, $6.5 million contract.
A hometown reunion for the Miami Palmetto High School alumni.
Hardaway Jr. was among the most prolific free agents this summer. He’s coming off a remarkable season with the Denver Nuggets: 13.5 points on 40.7 percent three-point shooting, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 80 games played, including six starts. The 34-year-old was a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award – finishing third in voting.
Given the Heat’s new star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, shooting was a necessity to add to the roster. After re-signing Simone Fontecchio on a one-year, veteran minimum contract, the organization added another threat from outside the arc.
Hardaway Jr. is a versatile guard/forward who can make an impact in a variety of ways. He can shoot with ease, put the ball on the floor, attack the rim, and play without having the ball. Hardaway Jr. can be inserted in multiple lineups – as a starter and reserve.
After the transaction, the Heat have $11.36 million in space before crossing the first apron threshold. Given the projected 12 players taking up a roster spot – pending the finalization of the Antetokounmpo trade and second-rounder Ryan Conwell’s signing – Team President Pat Riley and the front office still have three voids left to fill.
The Heat are likely to continue prioritizing outside shooting. Anfernee Simons, Khris Middleton, and Gabe Vincent are available free agents that have been linked as targets. Although the financial situation gets tighter, it’s still manageable to secure impactful players.
Hardaway Jr. is the son of Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. The five-time All-Star played 13 seasons in the league – from 1989 to 2003 – before officially retiring. In the midst of it all, Hardaway Sr. wound up in South Florida after seven years with the Golden State Warriors. He wound up being one of the cornerstones, alongside Hall of Fame center Alonzo Mourning, in building the Heat to what it is today.
Together, the star duo led the franchise to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 1997 – falling to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls after five games.
Hardaway Jr. is originally from California, but grew up in the Miami-Dade County area. He returns to where it all started with hopes of delivering the city its first NBA Championship since 2013. Before every home game, Hardaway Jr. will see No. 10 in the rafters – Hardaway Sr.’s number – at the Kaseya Center.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
