Miami Heat losing two depth cogs to summer free agency
Caleb Martin
Heat forward Caleb Martin is turning down his $7.13M player option for 2024-25 in order to become an unrestricted free agent, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Miami big man Thomas Bryant is also declining a player option and opting for unrestricted free agency, according to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. Bryant’s option would have paid him about $2.85M.
Martin’s decision comes as no surprise. He ranked 23rd on our list of this summer’s top 50 free agents. While his 2023-24 numbers (10.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.2 APG) don’t jump off the page, he’s the type of connecting piece that every team could use.
The 28-year-old wing can help out in a lot of different ways, including as a shooter (.368 3PT% during his three years in Miami) and switchable defender. He should draw interest from multiple teams willing to offer him more than he would have earned on his option.
Bryant’s decision, meanwhile, could have gone either way. The Heat envisioned him as Bam Adebayo‘s backup at the five when they signed him last summer, but the fit wasn’t as smooth as either side had hoped.
Bryant averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in just 11.6 minutes per game across 38 appearances. While he may not receive offers above the minimum on the open market, it makes sense that he’d seek a situation where he might have a larger role.
Of the four Heat veterans who entered the week with player option decisions to make, only Josh Richardson opted in. Martin, Bryant and Kevin Love all declined their options, though Love, at least, is considered a strong candidate to remain in Miami.
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