Inside The Heat

Should Miami Heat Prepare For Multiple Forwards To Depart In Free Agency?

Anthony Pasciolla

Apr 9, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) drives past Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) drives past Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat should prepare to lose one, or both, of Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith in free agency.

While the Heat would likely love to retain Martin and Highsmith, the front office simply can't compete with the offers of other teams. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported on the latest destinations for Martin, which provides a bit of good news for Miami's front office.

"Over the past several days, the Philadelphia 76ers had discussions with Martin’s representation, league sources told HoopsHype," Scotto wrote. "During those conversations, Philadelphia came away believing Martin was holding out for more money elsewhere on the market. Yet, the 76ers remain interested in signing him until Martin is off the market, league sources said."

If there's no organization prepared to offer Martin his desired contract, a return to the Heat on a short-term deal is within the realm of possibilities. This situation takes place nearly every offseason, where a player bets on themselves in free agency but cannot find the expected market. Martin was a major reason for the Heat's 2023 NBA Finals appearance, as he was arguably the most important player in the Eastern Conference Finals.

If unable to sign Martin, Scotto reported on the Sixers' interest in another Heat forward, writing, "While trying to sign Martin, the 76ers have also expressed interest in his teammate, Haywood Highsmith, with their cap space."

The Heat are in the upper echelon of active cap space, meaning retaining Highsmith as well seems almost impossible.

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com