As the Utah Jazz await the NBA lottery draw, they are also watching other NBA teams end their seasons. While the Jazz missed the playoffs totally, other teams that made it and exited quickly are now left to assess their seasons and decide how to move forward.
The Miami Heat are one such team, eliminated from the playoffs by the NBA-leading Boston Celtics on Wednesday night in a disheartening 118-84 loss. After playing in the NBA Finals a year ago, a first-round loss seems very abrupt.
Injuries played a role, as team leader Jimmy Butler missed the entire series, as did midseason acquisition Terry Rozier. But with the way the Celtics were playing, the result likely would have been the same: a Miami loss.
Now the Heat are faced with going into the 2024–25 season with a similar squad, as they are significantly over the salary cap and have around $135 million invested in 4 players: Butler, Adebayo, Herro, and Rozier.
The Utah Jazz can pick up guys who may not be in the Heat’s short-term plans. They can also trade veterans that would have more worth to Miami than they currently do in Utah on a rebuilding team.
If ever the Heat were to go all-in on seniors to try for one more chance at a title, it would be in the summer of 2024, as Jimmy Butler can opt out a year from now, and they can also move on from Terry Rozier (team option) and start a rebuild around Bam Abedayo, who will be 28 next summer.
Since Miami is highly unlikely to move Butler or Abedayo, they won’t be in our group.
Thomas Bryant, Center
Bryant, a 6’10” center, provided good backup minutes during the season and added 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 11.7 minutes a night. However, he has proven to be a capable starter when called upon, posting 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in that role as recently as last season with the LA Lakers.
The Jazz could certainly use an upgrade at this spot and a player who will challenge Walker Kessler for the starting job. Bryant is physical enough to hold his ground against some of the bigger players and keep the Jazz competitive in the paint.
As Bryant didn’t play in most of the game with Boston, it would seem he’s not in the Heat’s plans and would be an easy pickup for any team this offseason. The Jazz would be smart to go after players of his level as they build their team for 2024–25.
