The Miami Heat are falling behind in the Eastern Conference.
After their unexpected journey to the NBA Finals in 2023, it’s clear that the Heat’s roster depth is a problem. Other teams have been getting better while Pat Riley has done little to change his aging team. Jimmy Butler’s three-year, $146.4M contract is making it hard for them to make moves in free agency and trades.
Caleb Martin seems to be the latest player on his way out. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Saturday that Martin is close to signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Free agent F Caleb Martin is finalizing a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. Impactful pickup for the Sixers, who bring on the playoff-tested veteran from Miami.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn)
Heat’s Roster Changes:
Since their finals run, Miami has lost Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Kyle Lowry, and now Martin. This summer they brought in Alec Burks to help with ball handling off the bench but still need someone who can shoot like Strus did . Losing another versatile player like Martin makes things even harder.
Fans might think this news shows how tough it will be for Miami this season.
Miami is a big-market team with high expectations every year. Yet Riley keeps giving Erik Spoelstra a limited roster despite his great coaching skills. The Eastern Conference has gotten stronger over time; teams like Boston Celtics are top contenders while New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have made big moves recently too! Even Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic are improving steadily.
An aging Butler and Bam Adebayo entering his prime aren’t enough against such competition levels around them ! Losing Martin signals more decline unless changes happen soon if they want any chance at competing again!
Otherwise? It’ll be one long difficult season on South Beach… What do you think about all these changes?
