Interest in veteran wing John Konchar could force a Miami Heat roster showdown, putting Myron Gardner’s partially guaranteed contract and developmental future on the chopping block.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Heat are reportedly “showing interest” in free agent guard/forward John Konchar; however, it could cost Myron Gardner’s roster spot.
Although the organization has one more standard roster spot open, the 25-year-old is under a partially guaranteed contract. Gardner is set to make at least $250,000 for the 2026-27 season, which can increase to $2.58 million. Last season, he averaged 3.6 points on 48 percent shooting, 2.7 rebounds, and an assist in 45 games (seven starts).
The Miami Herald reports that Konchar’s camp suggests the Heat might bring him in to compete against Gardner for a roster spot. A final decision is expected sometime this week. Konchar is an enticing three-and-D wing, but he might not be worth cutting Gardner.
Last season, in split stints between the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz, the 30-year-old averaged 4.4 points on 47.2 percent shooting, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals in 56 games (eight starts). Konchar can provide floor spacing, shooting a career 34.9 percent from behind the arc.
However, in each of the last three seasons, Konchar has played in fewer than 60 games. Similar to several players on the Grizzlies, injuries have been a consistent factor. Konchar became part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. blockbuster trade package to the Jazz, then was traded and waived-and-stretched by the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer.
Despite having more experience, the Heat would be better off sticking with Gardner. He’s younger, can space the floor, has higher upside as a defender, and plays with an edge. Gardner is familiar with playing in head coach Erik Spoelstra’s system. The undrafted prospect is under a team-friendly contract and could enter free agency in 2028.
The Heat are going all in to compete for a championship, but cutting Gardner to open a roster spot for Konchar doesn’t significantly change the odds. He’s coming off a career-worst 28.3 percent three-point shooting. Although Spoelstra is known to maximize talent, Konchar’s best playing days are likely behind him.
After seven seasons in the league, the Chicago native’s best production came in 2022-23. Konchar averaged 5.1 points on 43.1 percent shooting, 4.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 72 games (23 starts). The Grizzlies finished the regular season with a 51-31 record and clinched the second seed in the Western Conference.
However, a first-round exit to the Los Angeles Lakers after six games became the beginning of the end. The Grizzlies’ former young core of Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Ja Morant has officially ended this summer.
Gardner participated in the Heat’s unofficial workout and practice earlier this week in Los Angeles, California. As the team continues to build chemistry, it’s better that he stays rather than insert someone new very late.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
