Late in the season, the Miami Heat enlisted the veteran services of Patty Mills and Delon Wright to fortify their backcourt depth, addressing the team’s injury woes. Looking ahead to next season, the question arises: will Mills and/or Wright continue to shore up the Heat’s guard position?
As both Mills and Wright enter unrestricted free agency this summer, their future with the Heat remains uncertain. However, both players have expressed interest in returning if there’s mutual interest from the team.
Reflecting on his stint with the Heat after their playoff exit, Wright shared his positive experience and expressed a desire to come back, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the business. Similarly, Mills highlighted the strong organizational culture of the Heat, expressing surprise at the depth of his attachment to the team.
Mills, 35, and Wright, 32, played significant roles despite joining mid-season on minimum contracts. Mills transitioned from the Atlanta Hawks to the Heat in March, contributing in 13 games with an average of 5.8 points and 1.5 assists per game. Wright, initially with the Washington Wizards, joined the Heat during the All-Star break, featuring in 14 games with averages of 5.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Both players emphasized their quick acclimatization to the Heat’s ethos, despite the challenge of integrating mid-season. Their contributions became more pronounced during the playoffs due to the team’s injury challenges.
In the postseason, Mills showcased his capabilities in three games against the Boston Celtics, while Wright, missing one game due to family commitments, impressed with his shooting and defensive prowess throughout the series.
Wright’s ability to orchestrate plays and defend effectively complements Mills’ three-point shooting and championship experience, making them valuable assets for any team.
Their return to the Heat hinges on the team’s offseason decisions and roster moves, considering their status as free agents on minimum contracts.
Amidst uncertainty, Wright remains optimistic about his future, hoping for a longer tenure with the Heat to fully integrate into the team’s dynamics and coaching strategies.
In other Heat news, the franchise has granted the Cleveland Cavaliers permission to interview longtime assistant coach Chris Quinn for their head coaching position, a testament to his significant role in the Heat’s coaching staff and player development program.
