Miami Heat Faced With Challenge Of Retaining Max Strus Amidst Competition and Financial Constraints

Miami Heat’s Max Strus becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

If the Heat wish to resign Strus, they have to compete with a few teams, including the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. Both have the cap space to offer Strus a contract above the mid-level exception.

Strus has spent the last three seasons with the Heat. Last year he averaged 11.5 points while shooting 41 percent from the field and 35 percent from beyond the arc.

The pros of signing Strus

There is considerable upside to resigning Strus this summer. He was one of the most effective 3-point shooters in the postseason before having a subpar series in the Finals against the Denver Nuggets. Strus has shown consistent promise as a player, averaging more than 10 points for the last two seasons.

Miami may encounter difficulties in re-signing Strus because of the interest from other teams. This puts the Heat in a predicament where they may have to choose between Strus and Gabe Vincent.

Vincent probably receives the edge of staying due to the team's lack of depth at the guard position. Given this situation, it is likely Strus ends up signing with another team unless the Heat are willing to go into the luxury tax.

The cons of signing Strus

While it would be beneficial for the Heat to retain Strus, the restraints of their roster and financial considerations make it a challenging decision. Ultimately, Miami will be left with the between entering the luxury tax or letting Vincent or Strus sign elsewhere.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com