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Heat are giving Josh Richardson a four-year, $42 million extension

By Gabe Henderson

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 12: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on April 12, 2017 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 12: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on April 12, 2017 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Miami Heat and Josh Richardson have reportedly agreed to a lucrative extension.

Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson has reportedly agreed to an extension with the team. The extension is worth $42 million over the course of four years. Additionally, the deal includes a fourth-year player option. The extension prevents Richardson from becoming a restricted free agent in 2018, which was set to happen. The Heat have now locked up one of their brightest young stars.

Richardson missed a significant amount of games last season due to injury. However, in his 53 games played, he was a crucial part of the Heat’s success. Despite only starting 34 games, Richardson managed to average more than 10 points per game. He also added an average of 3.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

The soon-to-be 24-year-old has seen a significant increase in efficiency over the course of his short two-year career. He has shown progression in all aspects of his game and is one of Miami’s best two-way players. His role will likely increase on Erik Spoelstra’s squad during the 2017-18 season as he continues to develop and impress.

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Richardson is one of the NBA’s best bargain picks in recent history. The Heat drafted the 23-year-old with the No. 40 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Since then, Richardson has appeared in over 100 games in just two seasons. It was important for Miami to lock up Richardson for the near future, before his value rises.

Possibly the only concern for Richardson’s future is his recurring ankle problems. Otherwise, the Heat will look to Richardson to play an important role as the Heat contend for a playoff spot. Alongside Dion Waiters, Justise Winslow, Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, Richardson looks to become a household name in Miami as the Heat attempt to rebuild the dynasty that they once were.

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