NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 most puzzling contract decisions

4. Heat sign Kelly Olynyk to four-years, $50 million

Pat Riley has proved to be deft at making roster moves during his numerous years in the NBA. He adopted a long term mindset for team building earlier than most and Miami has benefited for years as a result. The Heat make smart, measured moves under Reilly and have became to be thought of as one of the league’s premier franchises as a result. Their goal is to bring more titles back to Miami, but this offseason featured a few moves that figure to lock Miami into the middle of the league.

The Heat had a meeting with Gordon Hayward, as they do with most prized free agents. Miami then moved on after Hayward spurned them. They signed James Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, and Dion Waiters to four-year deals worth a combined $162 million, effectively soaking up their available cap room. These moves will ensure that the Heat return to the playoffs in the depleted Eastern Conference next season, but also limit their flexibility moving forward greatly.

Kelly Olynyk was underutilized in Boston and getting consistent minutes in Miami will bring more out of him. The 26-year-old has developed into a quality player on both ends and has proven he can play minutes for a winner. But paying him nearly $14 million a season to be your third or fourth big is an overpay. With less cap space league-wide, it could be difficult to move Olynyk down the line if need be. Signing him made Miami better right now, but it won’t help them win a championship down the line.