Miami Heat were one of three teams that had a meeting with Gordon Hayward, but the star small forward decided to sign with the Heat's conference rivals, Boston Celtics. Just one day after he announced his decision, the Heat started making moves in the free agency. As expected, they brought Dion Waiters back as they gave him a multi-year deal to stay in South Beach.
While Hayward was a priority this summer, the Heat will give their best to bring back their free agents now when he decided to sign with another team. Beside Waiters, Miami is expected to agree to a contract with James Johnson and to pick up a team option on Wayne Ellington's contract.
By making these moves, the Heat will bring their last year's core players back, and they will also have enough cap space to sign another player.
Dion Waiters' contract
Last summer, Pat Riley signed Dion Waiters to a two-year contract and he allowed the shooting guard to opt out of it after the first year. Waiters did opt out, but he signed another deal, this time a big one! Riley gave Waiters a four-year contract worth $52 million. This is only $13 million a year, which could be considered a bargain for the Miami Heat.
Sources: Dion Waiters has agreed to a 4-year, $52M deal with the Miami Heat.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2017
Waiters is only 25 and he averaged 15.8 points per game with the Heat last season.
The shooting guard had a career year and was one of the biggest reasons for Miami's incredible run in the second half of the season. Dion is expected to start playing the best basketball of his life as he is entering his prime. If he can stay healthy and give the Heat at least 15 points per game every year, this contract will pay off and Miami could also go deep in the playoffs.
Other Heat free agents
James Johnson is also expected to be re-signed by the Miami Heat and his agent is working with the team towards an agreement. Just like Waiters, Johnson will most likely receive a multi-year deal from the Heat as he was one of the best players of the team last season.
When it comes to Wayne Ellington, Miami will most likely pick up his player option for the next season.
Ellington will be paid $6.3 million if the Heat keep him and this is also a great deal for Miami. He is coming off a great year with Miami in which he averaged career-high 10.5 points per game.
If they pick up Ellington's option and re-sign Johnson, the Heat will have cap space to sign another free agent. There is a possibility of the Heat bringing Willie Reed back as well, but the team has also been linked to Rudy Gay, who is another option for them.
