Everybody was quick to put the Miami Heat in the NBA championship conversation the moment Giannis Antetokounmpo arrived. But in trading for Antetokounmpo, the Heat gave up significant wing depth, losing sharpshooter Tyler Herro, former first-round pick Jaime Jaquez Jr., and ascending guard Kasparas Jakucionis, along with Kel'el Ware, an athletic young 7-footer. It quickly became clear the Heat needed more talent along the perimeter, and while they've been active the last few months addressing that area of the court, they just made sure it doesn't become an issue years down the road.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Friday that the Heat have agreed to a new four-year, $60 million extension with third-year guard Pelle Larsson, with a mutual option for the 2030-31 season. More news: Steph Curry Makes Feelings Crystal Clear on Warriors Future Larsson is coming off a breakout season in Miami, averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 0.7 steals in 26.4 minutes across 70 games, with 54 starts. He shot 49.6% from the floor, 32.3% from 3-point range, and 79.7% from the free-throw line.
He's a physical, hard-nosed, high-IQ wing who's quickly become a fan favorite in Miami, and at just 25 years old with a 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame, there's still plenty of room for growth. More news: Jayson Tatum Sets the Record Straight on Relationship With Jaylen Brown More news: Cam Skattebo Fires Warning Shot at Aaron Donald Ahead of Giants-Rams After the Antetokounmpo trade, Miami signed two veteran sharpshooters, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Klay Thompson. They also signed versatile wing Andrew Wiggins to an extension and still have Davion Mitchell leading the backcourt.
With Larsson now locked up, the Heat have a legitimate eight-man rotation, adding in All-NBA center Bam Adebayo and veteran forward Bobby Portis, who came over in the Antetokounmpo trade. They still might be a tier below the Knicks and 76ers, but they're right in that second tier of Eastern Conference contenders alongside the Cavaliers, Celtics, Pistons, and Raptors.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
