NBA rumors: 3 free agent suitors who could give Lonnie Walker a bigger role

1. Miami Heat

Walker played his college ball at the University of Miami, and while he was only there for one year, there’s a good chance he has fond memories of the weather and culture. Coincidentally, he’d also be a great fit with the Heat.

Aesthetically, there are some similarities between Walker and Jimmy Butler, although Walker is nowhere near his level as a passer, defender, or mismatch-busting scorer. But Walker has that kind of potential and challenging him with the Heat’s intense internal culture and letting him learn from Butler may be just the thing to jumpstart his career.

The Heat are rolling in these playoffs but could clearly upgrade their perimeter scoring and will be dealing with free agency for Max Strus and Gabe Vincent, 40 percent of their current starting lineup. It might be a squeeze to find cap space for Walker, even on the kind of modest deal he’ll likely be offered this year. But there is the flexibility to get it down and it could be a great match for both sides.

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