Duncan Robinson, Miami Heat
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Duncan Robinson, Miami Heat
On Sunday, June 29, Duncan Robinson triggered the early termination option on his contract. He will now become an unrestricted free agent as a result. The Miami Heat could re-sign Robinson to a new deal or allow him to find a new home.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the news via X.
“Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson is declining his $20 million early termination option to become a free agent and will work with the franchise on a new deal to return, or a move elsewhere, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote.
Robinson has been with the Heat for seven years, having signed with the franchise in 2018. Now, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, via a June 30 edition of “The Stein Line Newsletter,” the Detroit Pistons could emerge as a contender to acquire Robinson.
“The Pistons, meanwhile, are likewise said to be weighing a run at Miami’s Duncan Robinson to potentially fill their sudden need for shooting in addition to the interest in LeVert,” Stein and Fischer reported. “Robinson opted Sunday to bypass his $19.9 million player option for next season, but the move was made, sources said, with the expectation that the Heat and Robinson would work together on a new deal or pursue his exit via sign-and-trade.”
Detroit likely views Robinson as another floor-spacing solution to continue building around Cade Cunningham‘s undeniable skill set.
Robinson Has Been an Elite Shooter For The Heat
Last season, Robinson suited up for 74 regular-season games. He averaged 6.5 3-point attempts per night, shooting 39.3% from deep. That level of consistency from the 3-point line has been Robinson’s calling card since he entered the NBA.
He’s proven himself as one of the better movement shooters in the league. Robinson can punish defenders who get lost on screens. And, he can square his hips at speed, allowing him to make difficult shots off the catch.
Whoeever acquires Robinson this summer will be adding a genuine floor spacer to their rotation. He can operate as part of the second unit or within the starting lineup, as he did in 37 games for Erik Spoelstra last season.
Heat Would be Strong Landing Spot For Westbrook
According to Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters, the Heat could be a potential top destination for Russell Westbrook.
“The Miami Heat could benefit by adding a point guard this offseason, and they should look no further than Westbrook,” Peters wrote. “The Heat are set with a solid starter in Tyler Herro at the point guard spot, but lack depth. The addition of Kasparas Jakucionis in the NBA draft will help, though he’ll likely play more on the wing. Westbrook would be a solid addition off the bench as well as a veteran presence on a relatively young squad.”
Westbrook is a former MVP. He has proven that even at his current age, he can still produce at the NBA level. If the Heat are looking for a short-term lead ball-handler while Jakucionis develops his game, Westbrook could be the answer. Of course, that wouldn’t help solve a talent drain in terms of perimeter shooting.
In truth, though, not many players are better sharpshooters than Robinson.