3 Miami Heat players who won't be back next season

3 Miami Heat players who won’t be back next season

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 27: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks passes around Jimmy Butler #22 and Trevor Ariza #8 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena on May 27, 2021 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

With the Miami Heat getting swept out of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, here are three players that won’t be back next season.

The Miami Heat went from a trip to the NBA Finals in 2020 to getting stomped out by the Milwaukee Bucks in four games in the first round in 2021. With nine impending free agents and Jimmy Butler seeking a maximum contract extension, there are critical decisions facing the Heat this offseason.

Here are three players who may not be back in South Beach next year.

3. Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza is an accomplished NBA veteran with 17 seasons under his belt. The forward was a late-season addition to the Heat roster after being bounced around from team to team like a hot potato in the offseason. Ariza suited up for 30 regular-season games and all four playoff games, and he was in the starting lineup most of that time.

Ariza turns 36 later this month and is an unrestricted free agent this summer. With more games behind him than ahead of him, he’ll be looking for a role on a title contender. He’s the type of veteran presence many teams are seeking. However, Miami is in need of additional scoring threats and outside shooters who can draw defenses out. That’s not really Ariza’s strength, so it just doesn’t seem like he’ll be in a Heat jersey moving forward.

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