Following a blockbuster offseason, Miami holds a final roster spot for veteran reinforcements. Caris LeVert and Jonathan Isaac are names who could emerge as prime targets to bolster the Heat’s championship pursuit if they become available this season.
The Miami Heat have had a franchise-changing offseason. Obviously, the biggest move was landing Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo after years of rumors. After that trade, the Heat became one of the top destinations for veteran free agents around the league and players such as Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Nick Richards signed short-term contracts to hunt for a championship. Now, in the back-half of September, the roster is basically set but there is one roster spot available. Miami already has the league-minimum 14 roster spots filled but that 15th spot is optional. They could fill it now with another free agent or opt to hold off until later this season in case a two-way player breaks out and is deserving of a standard NBA contract or if a solid veteran hits the buyout market.
Over the past couple of seasons, there have been good veterans negotiating buyouts with their respective teams around the mid-way point of the regular season, typically around the trade deadline. Here are two names to keep an eye on as buyout candidates for the Heat to target if they become available later this season:
1. Caris LeVert, Milwaukee Bucks
After trading Antetokounmpo away, the Bucks are expected to be a rebuilding team with a crop of young talent. That leaves veterans on the roster as potential trade candidates. LeVert, 32, was sent to Milwaukee this summer after signing a hefty two-year contract with the Detroit Pistons last offseason. If things are not going well for Milwaukee by the trade deadline, there is a real possibility LeVert negotiates a buyout with the franchise, allowing him to sign with a contending team. The Heat could use another scorer and as a ninth or 10th guy in the rotation, it's worth it to take a chance on him.
2. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic
Isaac, 28, has been with the Magic for his nine-season career thus far although it seemed the two could have parted ways this summer. The forward was waived at the beginning of the offseason to to save money prior to his contract becoming fully guaranteed. However, he re-joined the franchise four days after on a one-year deal. The biggest concern with Isaac throughout his career has been his availability. The forward has undergone at least three known major surgeries since 2020. The Magic had a relatively calm offseason and they could be a team primed for a fire sale if the team underperforms and Isaac could very well be a buyout candidate for the franchise.
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!
