The futures of Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson
Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson are both restricted free agents this summer. The Heat do have intentions of possibly bringing both guys back next year on new, long-term deals, but these deals are not expected to be offered right away.
The Heat are going to be pursuing several big name players this offseason, which is why both Nunn and Robinson may not only be secondary plans to Miami, but used as possible leverage in trade talks. Sign-and-trade deals are on the table for the Heat in regards to their two young players, which is why they could be on the move this offseason.
Starting with Kendrick Nunn, he finished as the Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2019-20 to Ja Morant and has been a key contributor for the Heat’s backcourt over the years. He averaged 14.6 points, 2.6 assists and shot 38.1% from three-point range this offseason, making him a possible target of several teams around the league.
The Knicks, Raptors, Bulls, Clippers, Pelicans and even the Nuggets are all teams who could be looking for new point guards this offseason and could express interest in a young, talented player like Kendrick Nunn. As for Duncan Robinson, he does not present as much of an upside as Nunn may in terms of being an all-around threat, but he has cemented himself as one of the best sharpshooters in the league.
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He made a total of 250 three-pointers during the 2020-21 season, ranking him 4th in the league in made three-pointers behind just Steph Curry (337), Buddy Hield (282) and Damian Lillard (275). Robinson also shot 40.8% from three-point range, ranking him second in three-point shooting percentage league-wide (min. 500 attempts).
Duncan Robinson is a key offensive-threat that the Heat do want to bring back, but they will have some competition in retaining him this offseason. They do have the ability to match any offer made to Robinson since he is a restricted free agent, but SNY’s Ian Begley has stated that the Knicks need shooting and could pursue Robinson this offseason.
Miami is in a very tough position as a franchise in terms of retaining their young talents because while both Nunn and Robinson are restricted free agents, it is hard to imagine that this organization will keep both of them on long-term deals that pay more than $15M/year annually. If they both sign hypothetical 4yr/$80M offer sheets this offseason, the Heat will very likely let one or both of them walk because Miami does not want to be tied down to long-term deals unless they are with solidified All-Star talents.
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This is why the futures of Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson are in question right now, but also why the future of Tyler Herro is in question as well. Herro has two years left on his rookie contract, but he is not the All-Star-level player the Heat believe him to be. With his value somewhat high right now, Miami could possibly look to leverage the young shooting guard in trade talks, something they have been unwilling to do over the last year or so.
One league source spoke to NBA Analysis Network and stated that the possibility of Herro, Nunn and Robinson all being on the Miami Heat’s roster to begin the 2021-22 season is “highly unlikely.”
“Right now, Miami is all-in on the idea of adding a third superstar to their roster, which makes Herro, Robinson and Nunn disposable. It seems highly unlikely that all three of these guys will be on Miami’s roster to begin the 2021-22 season.”
Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn are all great young players that contribute in many different ways, but at the end of the day, all of their potential is limited. They all may be able to be key contributors on a championship contending team like they were in 2020, but none of these three guys, at least right now, can be star players to help the Heat win a championship.
This is why the Miami Heat could very well look to leverage these guys in the offseason or potentially let them sign somewhere else, in the case of Nunn and Robinson.
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With Butler and Adebayo, Miami needs to capitalize on their championship efforts now. Keeping Nunn, Robinson and Herro could end up being too costly where the Heat will be unable to contend for another championship since they are tied down to such long-term and high paying deals.
