Heat could reap another advantage from playoff run

AWest Coast-based agent was making the point the other day that if the Heat wasn’t already attractive enough to players, this postseason run will make it even more appealing, with convincing visual evidence that Miami is already a championship contender needing only one more piece to put them over the top.

“Look at what signing there has done for Jimmy Butler,” the agent said, “And on and on. They make players better. If I’m Giannis Antetokounmpo, I would be [interested].”

With ample Heat cap space awaiting in 2021, therein lies one of the upshots of this playoff run: Multiple agents — none associated with Giannis — spoke in recent days of how this playoff ride has made the Heat an even more alluring destination, combined with the usual appealing aspects (no state income tax, great weather; respected ownership and front office and coach; the franchise’s ability to maximize players’ talent).

The result is that the Heat could have a choice of AllStars in 2021, as opposed to trying to cajole one to come here.

“I think they are quite compelling to anyone,” longtime NBA agent Bill Neff said. “If I’m [a top free agent], I like the culture, the coach and the organization.”

Another agent who is involved in representing an All-Star player that’s expected to be a future Heat target put it this way in a text message, offered on condition of anonymity:

“First off, Miami has always been one of the most-attractive franchises in the NBA; the history of players speaks for itself. If you’re not intimidated by the hard work or strict guidelines the culture requires, I think you have a very good chance of landing just about anyone.

“Players will always have their opinion about other players no matter what they do differently, so those who have an issue with Jimmy Butler will continue to do so. But those who are confident and focused on themselves along with team goals won’t have a problem.”

Butler — with his selflessness, lack of concern about his volume of shots and determination to boost teammates and make them feel valued and engaged — should be an asset in luring free agents, not a detriment.

“They really tried to trick us into thinking that Jimmy wasn’t a guy that you want on your team if you wanna win, Miami,” Utah Jazz All Star center Rudy Gobert

tweeted this week.

76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid, who has a very good relationship with Butler, simply tweeted “Inspiring” during Butler’s Game 3 Finals masterpiece. Earlier in these playoffs, he tweeted “If” after a Heat playoff win — as in, “if” Butler had remained his teammate.

And Heat plaudits from other NBA All-Stars have been a constant in this postseason.

“Tyler Herro is cold blooded. So is Jimmy,” Utah’s Donovan Mitchell

tweeted.

“Miami is a good-[---] team,” Portland’s Damian Lillard tweeted during the Milwaukee series.

Cleveland’s Kevin Love

has offered running Heat commentary during the postseason: “What Jimmy is doing right now [Game 3 of the Finals] is just really damn impressive . ... Truly a masterpiece from Jimmy. … Herro can pass that ball man. … Herro 2020.”

And even players without All-Star résumés have chimed in: “I don’t wanna hear any more Jimmy Butler slander,” Cleveland’s Larry Nance Jr. tweeted. “That man is TOUGH.”

When it comes to the Heat making its case to stars from other teams, we’ll use the old phrase:

You can’t buy this type of advertising.

The most-serious Heat fans know the future free agent classes, as well as the menu at their favorite restaurant.

But to refresh: Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Victor Oladipo, Jrue Holiday and

Gobert can be unrestricted free agents in 2021.

Mitchell (restricted free agent in 2021), De’Aaron Fox (restricted free agent in 2021), Embiid (signed through 2022-23) and Bradley Beal (player option for 2022-23) would be 2021 options only via trade.

CHATTER

How is COVID-19 affecting Dolphins roster decisions? The NFL this week implemented a rule that requires a six-day turnaround for a team to bring in a free agent, administer COVID-19 tests and work him out and sign him. Coach Brian Flores

said the new policy would make it unlikely Miami would bring in many players — if any — for tryouts, which usually precede signings. Teams each week are allowed to protect four practice squad players from being poached, and the Dolphins keep protecting long snapper Matt Orzech because, as Flores told me, he doesn’t want to ask me to long snap in a game if something bad happens to long snapper Blake Ferguson.

And if a team learns the morning of a game — or the night before — that a player has tested positive for COVID or been exposed to someone that has, a team can replace that player on its roster on game day only under those two circumstances. That’s why Miami signed quarterback Jake Rudock to its practice squad Saturday and cut him Monday, simply to protect itself.

Because of D’Eriq King’s size (5-9), scouts want to see exceptional accuracy from UM’s quarterback. Otherwise, he will remain a fringe NFL prospect, according to two scouts. This season, King is just 5 for 20 on passes thrown at least 20 yards in the air, with two touchdowns. But no quarterback in FBS, entering this past week, had thrown as many passes (94) without an interception. And his 66.7 percent completion percentage (63 for 94) is 20th in the country and better than his 63.5 and 52.7 the past two years. What’s more, he’s averaging 5.7 yards after contact on rushing attempts, which is third best in the country for any QB or running back.