Q: In the past, we’ve seen the Heat sign their undrafted role players to long-term deals, like Tyler Johnson and Hassan Whiteside. The past two offseasons, however, we’ve seen them let their guys walk in free agency. What is the reason for the change in philosophy? – Chris, Ocala.
A: In this new NBA economic climate of luxury-tax aprons, we’ve reached a moment where you cannot afford to get it wrong when it comes to contracts of heft. I am not sure even the Duncan Robinson or Tyler Herro contracts would have been written the same way if the Heat knew then what they know now. As we’ve seen this summer, this is an NBA of a shrinking middle class. In a previous era, Haywood Highsmith could have expected more and Caleb Martin would have gotten more. Now the rules of the workplace demand a different type of prudence for all but the elite.
Q: So the collective bargaining agreement and two-tier tax apron system have clearly had their intended negative effects on how the Heat can conduct business. My question, are we seeing pretty much the same scenario play out with the other top tier teams? – Dave, Coral Springs.
A: As mentioned above, absolutely. But what I think is very important to take into consideration here, is that for all the complaining about the restrictions on roster building, this is something the owners voted for in order to protect their costs. So it’s not as if a team like the Heat is also not part of this process. The move toward a harder salary cap was very much the intention, and obviously has been achieved to a significant degree
Q: Erik Spoelstra, please I beg of you, go big and make the league adjust. That’s the only way you beat Boston. I repeat, go really big and make the league adjust, as Minnesota and Denver have done. It’s not the roster; it’s how he will utilize it. – Swann.
A: Erik Spoelstra well could respond that he did go big by starting 6-foot-10 Nikola Jovic alongside Bam Adebayo against the Celtics. The real question is whether dual power players alongside one another makes sense. It does with the right power players, such as Aaron Gordon, with the Nuggets, or even Karl-Anthony Towns with the Timberwolves. I’m not sure the Heat have a similar player on their roster.
