NBA Free Agency 2018: One signing every team should make
Miami Heat — Mario Hezonja
Mario Hezonja’s career has not gone according to plan. He’s been largely underwhelming in his three seasons, but showed some life last year and he’s still only 22 years old. What he could be — a slashing wing who can shoot and create a little bit — is a valuable skill set and a team that isn’t the Magic might want to take a flier on him and see if they can make it work.
The Heat don’t totally fit the profile of a team that would want Hezonja. To some degree, it’s easier to see him joining a team like the Kings or Mavericks that is currently working to get younger and has time to roll the dice on a prospect. The Heat aren’t exactly title contenders, but they have a glut of wings including Dion Waiters returning from injury and could also bring back Wayne Ellington. There might not be a desire to sign Hezonja.
But is there a team that would be better equipped to get something out of Hezonja? The Heat are renowned for their ability to get the best out of players and get them in the best shape of their careers. As Miami tries to work towards its next great team, taking a roll of the dice on Hezonja could get them a player who could maybe allow them to shop some of their other wings that are at higher money. Plus, the Heat are just below the luxury tax line and signing someone that would help them stay under it is a smart move.