The Miami Heat's season in the NBA may have ended with a rather disappointing series against the powerful Denver Nuggets in the Finals, but the Florida team is without a shadow of a doubt the sensation of the season in the best league in the world.
From eighth place in the East, slipping into the playoffs via the play-in, Erik Spoelstra's team stunned everyone and made it all the way to the NBA Grand Finals with a huge win over powerful Boston in the semifinals.
"There are no excuses, we just lost, but I believe wholeheartedly that we will win the championship," Jimmy Butler said after the game. The foundation that led the team to the achievement, and at the top of course the big star along with Bam Adebayo will continue to lead next season, but there are several players who will almost certainly leave.
Jimmy Butler on the state of the Miami Heat:
"I still believe with everything in me that we will [win a championship] as a team here, as an organization, as a city." pic.twitter.com/kRmTrK4Iez
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 13, 2023
Max Strus – From an undrafted player, Strus has become a top five player for the Miami Heat. The player, who developed this season primarily as a scorer, earned only $1.8 million, and next season will be worth much more. Miami will certainly want to keep him, but the salary cap it exceeds could limit it and the guard will surely be in demand in the league.
Gabe Vincent – Vincent's situation is almost identical to Stross's. In fact, the group may have to decide and keep one of the two within its economic framework. In the post-Goran Dragic era, Vincent was everything Miami needed, he progressed as a point guard throughout the season and became an all-important player.
Kevin Love – At 34, Love will become a free agent this summer, and according to reports in the U.S., Miami is unlikely to offer him a new contract. Retirement could also be on the agenda for a player who has made quite a bit of money in a career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Udonis Haslem – After 20 seasons in the league and becoming the oldest player to play in the NBA Finals, the forward will retire, playing his last game in a Heat uniform. Chances are high that the player who became an icon in Miami will continue with the team in a professional role.
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Islam. He'll leave for sure, Photo: USA TODAY Sports
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