Miami Heat NBA Trade and Roster Rumors: Josh Richardson Signs Four-Year Contract Extension With the Heat
Looks like Josh Richardson is going to be staying in Miami for the foreseeable future.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Richardson has agreed to sign a four-year, $42-million contract extension with the Heat. The deal reportedly includes a player option on the fourth-year.
That contract may seem a bit much for a role player who averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 30.5 minutes last season, but many will argue that it seems fair in today's National Basketball Association (NBA) landscape.
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In fact, it's quite possible that Richardson may have gotten more if he opted to enter restricted free agency next summer. But the third-year guard happens to enjoy playing with the Heat, so he decided to take the deal instead, per the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.
"The version of Richardson who defends with verve and led the NBA in three point shooting in the second half of his rookie season — and the one who finished very strong in the final days of last season — could next summer have conceivably commanded something in excess of the four-year, $42 million deal that he accepted from Miami," Jackson said in his report.
He added that Richardson will get the chance to compete for the starting small forward job against Justise Winslow and Rodney McGruder.
ESPN's Bobby Marks also commended the Heat for giving Richardson an extension before he becomes a restricted free agent next offseason.
"Smart move by Miami locking up Josh Richardson. The Heat could not afford to get in a bidding war next summer based on their current salary," Marks said.
However, signing Richardson will take them over the luxury tax threshold next season with $115 million committed to nine players. The Heat do have a cap exception, but they will have to get creative if they want to secure their targets in the free agent market next summer.
