Miami Heat moves still to be made on NBA free-agent market?

Q: What are the chances the Heat can sign Cameron Payne? – Barry, Deerfield Beach.

A: As with Kelly Oubre, I think the Heat remain in a holding pattern for two reasons previously mentioned here. Primarily, the uncertainty with Damian Lillard. Beyond that, commitments have been made to those already in place. For example, in getting Josh Richardson at the minimum, there assuredly was a commitment to a role, a role that would be somewhat duplicated with Oubre. As for Cameron Payne, the Heat, at the moment, still have Kyle Lowry and Tyler Herro. Beyond those two, there are ample ballhandlers, plus the possibility of further developing Jamaree Bouyea. I don’t see urgency in either case.

Q: This is driving me crazy. I want Damian Lillard, but the fact that the Heat aren’t trying to get any of these free agents (especially on the minimum) because they’re waiting on Portland.– Katie.

A: But in Josh Richardon and Thomas Bryant, the Heat already got their free agents at the minimum. And, again, to land such players at such a price, there has to be an earnest offer of playing time. Let’s not overstate the likes of Christian Wood or Kelly Oubre. There is plenty to sweat about the coming season, but sweating out who will be ninth and 10th men is probably misguided.

Q: So will there be a Nikola Jovic Night after the World Cup? – Sam.

A: Silver medals only get you so far. What would have been interesting would have been if Nikoka Jovic and Serbia took home gold. The NBA has been attempting to cast the World Cup as the same level of the Olympics. And the Heat already honor their Olympic gold medalists with banners at Kaseya Center.