Q: Ira, I remember Duncan Robinson also being mentioned as maybe having his contract written off with the stretch clause. What happened to that? – Tio.
A: Basically, since (or shortly thereafter) Duncan Robinson signed his five-year, $90 million contract in the 2021 offseason and then went into a shooting slump, there was question of an escape hatch. Last season, there still was some of that thought. Then he came around in the playoffs to the point that the contract no longer stood as overly onerous, particularly after Max Strus was lost in free agency. If the Heat would have utilized the stretch provision with Duncan by Thursday’s deadline, it would have meant having at least some of his number on the books for another seven years, instead of the deal expiring in 2025-26 (with a reduced non-guaranteed number available then). For now, there seemingly is value in Duncan’s contract, either as part of the salary needed to balance a trade for Damian Lillard, or as a spacer for the current Heat roster or one that adds Lillard.
Q: Ira, Nikola Jovic is under contract for $2.4 million this season and the Heat own his rights for not much more the season after. Why would you trade that type of value? – Sam.
A: Because to get something of value, you need to deal something of value. But I do agree that based on where the Heat are against the tax, that having value contracts is essential. Nikola Jovic is on the books for $2.4 million this season and then $2.5 milloin in 2024-25 (once that option is picked up by Oct. 31). There also is a club option for $4.5 million in 2025-26, with only a $6.6 qualifying offer needed to make him a restricted free agent in the 2026 offseason. That type of value should not be overlooked.
Q: If the Damian Lillard trade doesn’t happen, do you see Heat making any other moves? – Bob, Davie.
A: If needed? Sure. But after losing Max Strus and Gabe Vincent (as well as Victor Oladipo and Thomas Bryant) and then adding Josh Richardson, Thomas Bryant and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (plus other assorted developmental types), the Heat first have to assess whether what is in place at the moment is enough.
