NOVEMBER 19: Olynyk’s move is official, tweets Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, who adds that the Heat are now roughly $45MM below the tax line and are expected to move forward as an over-the-cap team. That will enable them to exceed the salary cap to bring back free agents Goran Dragic, Jae Crowder and possibly Meyers Leonard and Derrick Jones Jr.
NOVEMBER 18: Heat big man Kelly Olynyk is exercising his player option for 2020/21, as expected, a league source tells Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The move will guarantee Olynyk’s $13.2MM salary for next season and put him in line to reach unrestricted free agency in 2021.
Olynyk, 29, came off the bench for most of last season in Miami, averaging 8.2 PPG and 4.6 RPG with a solid shooting line of .462/.406/.860 in 67 games (19.4 MPG). Assuming Olynyk returns to the Heat for next season, he should once again be a regular part of the rotation, especially if center Meyers Leonard departs in free agency.
It’s also worth noting that once he opts into his contract, Olynyk will also be eligible to be traded, and his expiring contract could make a good salary-matching piece for the Heat as they explore their options this fall and perhaps during the season.
Since Olynyk was expected to opt in, the move doesn’t affect the Heat’s cap outlook. Miami still has he opportunity to open up some room, though the team is considered more likely to stay over the cap, attempting to re-sign players like Goran Dragic and Jae Crowder, and potentially using the mid-level exception.
No surprise there.
Breaking news: Klay Thompson may have just retorn his ACL during a practice today. If true, this is devastating for the GSW. Might be time to tear it down in SF/Oakland and start again. Draymond would fit in great with this Miami Heat team.
I just saw. May change there plans up in the draft. Maybe try to trade for someone using that #2
I would think they would be looking to move Olynyk, he is a decent big and is more skilled than many think, but that big expiring salary could fit into a lot of deals.
The only player I could see Miami going for is Victor Oladipo. Beal isn’t getting traded this year.
Best to keep the 13 mill. Heat don’t have a big except him. They should sign Howard. He fits this team
Howard? No way in hell he fits this team.
What about Love who you’re so in Love with? Olynyk not a true big and barely touched the floor during the playoffs. Talk to Cleveland, if you ask me…