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 Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Nemanja Bjelica

Acquired at the trade deadline, Nemanja Bjelica featured in just 11 regular-season games for the Heat.

The 33-year-old is somewhat of a lame bloomer. Drafted in 2010 by the Washington Wizards, Bjelica played five seasons in Europe before eventually making his way back to the NBA at the age of 27. After a few seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he hit his stride in 2019-20 with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 11.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 72 appearances.

Unfortunately, Bjelica couldn’t quite find himself a steady spot in the Heat’s rotation this year. His minutes plummeted, and he only saw 30 total minutes of action in the playoffs. He’s now headed for unrestricted free agency. Our guess is Pat Riley will have his eyes on a guy who can fill a much bigger role than Bjelica can.

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