Archie Goodwin is a free agent again. The Brooklyn Nets decided to part ways with the guard just before a deadline that would have guaranteed his contract for the upcoming season. With it already being late in free agency, Goodwin might struggle to find takers in the NBA. There is one team that has expressed interest in him in the past, though, who could serve as a fit for his next basketball destination: the Miami Heat.
Heat could be in pursuit
ESPN's Ian Begley claimed that the Heat were interested in Goodwin a while back. The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Houston Rockets also reportedly expressed interest, before the guard found himself with the Nets.
His tenure with the team went relatively well, averaging 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 12 games. The Nets didn't want to guarantee his contract for next season, though, setting Goodwin loose.
The Heat could use some more depth, especially at the point guard position and Goodwin has the ability to be a combo guard. At point guard, Goran Dragic is backed up by the vastly overpaid Tyler Johnson. Despite being a star in college at Kentucky, Goodwin has never really received the opportunity to spread his wings and fly in the NBA. He's still extremely young, set to turn just 23 years old in August. Even though it feels like he could be running out of chances, he could still bring a level of competency and a hint of potential to any team willing to give him the chance.
Other suitors for Goodwin
If the Heat choose to pursue Goodwin, they might not be alone. The need for the Clippers has lessened after gaining guard depth in the trade with the Rockets, but now the need is more urgent for Houston, who could use some bodies behind the Chris Paul-James Harden duo. The Knicks could always use some competitive players off the bench, but may not have the space for Goodwin.
The Nets could bring him back too, but for a different price than his original contract.
Another intriguing option is the other team in Los Angeles - the Lakers. The team signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to hold down the shooting guard spot this season. It's the only position where the team only has two players, though, and the other one is rookie Josh Hart.
He may need some time to acclimate to the next level. Since Caldwell-Pope will only be around for a year, there are worse people for Hart to learn from than Goodwin - if the Miami Heat don't snatch him up first.
