MBA 20191217
Jerami Grant could end up in the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat if he opts out of his deal with the Denver Nuggets. (Photo: Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

The Miami Heat need to fill in key slots and add some offense in the forward line. There is no telling what the future holds for Jae Crowder although the Heat could always re-sign him. But if Miami opts to get someone younger at the forward position, Jerami Grant of the Denver Nuggets could be a tempting target.

Grant is reportedly planning to opt out of his deal with the Nuggets, passing up a $9.3 million salary with hopes of getting something higher. The 26-year-old made a good account of himself in the NBA playoffs and could be a key addition for Miami next season. The Heat are expected to make another run at the NBA title but need to take in new talent to help out Jimmy Butler and company.

But the Heat will only be one team from a list of clubs who will try to take in the 6-foot-9 forward according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. After their surprising run this 2019-20 season, Grant can provide the needed offensive sock if he decides to move back to the Eastern Conference.

 

Last season, Grant averaged 12 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 26.6 minutes of action. But what may interest the Heat is shooting from the field and beyond the arc. He owns a 53.7% field goal shooting clip and 38.9% from the three-point region.

But until Grant makes it official, all the Heat and other clubs can do is wait. Though they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Final, there is no doubt that the young forward is a key player for the charges of coach Michael Malone. But regardless, the final say will be on the second-round pick of the 2014 NBA Draft.

With the Heat, Grant has the chance to move to a team touted as one of the teams to watch next season. The Nuggets earned that right as well but Grant could have better success in the East. Also, he is a sensible addition to the young guys on the squad such as Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn.

He could provide the added scoring prowess that Butler needs for the Heat to replicate or even improve their 2019-20 performance. There is no telling how much Miami can offer but a move to South Beach could tickle his fancy.