Miami Heat Guard Picking Up Player Option to Return

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It will be interesting to see how the Miami Heat roster looks next season. They certainly do not have much flexibility at the moment as their payroll is already above the first apron and not far from crossing the second apron.

One would expect the majority of the team to remain the same although there is a need to strengthen in the offseason after their first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Boston Celtics last season.

There has been some relief over the past couple of days as it has emerged that Jimmy Butler is not planning to leave and wants to have a big season in order to set himself up for a big payday next summer.

And now, we know the identity of another player looking to be back playing in the Heat uniform next season.

According to Shams Charania on X, Heat guard Josh Richardson is picking up his $3 million player option to return for the 2024-25 season.

Richardson was a key part of the Heat's rotation before a shoulder injury in February. The 30-year-old averaged 25.7 minutes and 9.9 points per game over 43 games last season. He is expected to make a full recovery for next season.

Richardson had been drafted in 2015 by the Heat in the second round and went on to play for four seasons for the franchise, establishing himself as a starter.

He left in 2019 and joined the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a package for Butler. Since then, Richardson has struggled for continuity.

After leaving the Heat, Richardson played for the 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans, before making a return to Miami last summer.

Richardson is no longer the starter that he once was for the Heat but he is a key part of the team's rotation these days.