3 biggest free-agent mistakes in Miami Heat history

The Miami Heat have been creative roster-builders throughout their franchise history, but they’ve also made some huge mistakes. Here are the three biggest.

The Miami Heat have made some questionable free-agent signings throughout their history. In recent years, they handed out huge contracts to Hassan Whiteside, Tyler Johnson, James Johnson, Dion Waiters, Kyle Lowry, and Duncan Robinson, amongst others.

Let’s take a look at their three worst moves.

Miami Heat biggest free-agent mistakes: 3. Re-signing Tyler Johnson (2016)

Contract: 4 years, $50 million

Johnson emerged as a surprising rotation player. The undrafted free agent made his NBA debut on a 10-day contract. He played well in limited action for the Heat. In 2015-16, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals, while shooting 37.2 percent from 3. He flashed higher upside, as well, scoring 19+ points in three individual games.

In the summer of 2016, he headed into restricted free agency at age 24. Retaining the young guard was a priority for the front office.

However, the Brooklyn Nets decided to sign him to a four-year, $50 million offer sheet. The Nets were desperate for young talent. Their assets were depleted following the much-maligned KG-Pierce-Jason Terry trade, and their leading scorers were Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young.

The Heat decided to match the offer. Johnson continued to be a solid role player, but he never elevated his game to a $50 million level. In 2018-19, he averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 44 games. At the trade deadline, he was sent to the Phoenix Suns along with Wayne Ellington in exchange for Ryan Anderson.