Heat notes: Bryant, O. Robinson, Wright, Mills, Butler, Highsmith

A pair of decisions – only one of which is in their control – will determine what Heat The big man rotation looks like next season, Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald writes.

Backup center Thomas Bryantwho appeared in just 38 games after signing as a free agent last summer, has a $2.8 million player option that must be picked up by June 29. The 26-year-old center could decide to test free agency again after falling of Erik Spoelstra rotation and misses 41 games due to coach’s decision.

“I haven’t thought much about it now” Bryant said during exit interviews last month. “We’re really trying to sort out the end of the season. But for me, I like this Heat organization. I love the culture of the Heat, I love what these guys stand for and what they bring to the table and how everyone here has to work.”

The Heat have a July 15 deadline to guarantee Orlando Robinsonhis $2.1 million salary for 2024/25, and that decision could be affected by what Bryant chooses to do. Chiang notes that the 23-year-old Robinson’s best moments in his two years with the organization have come outside of the NBA, as he was named to the All-Summer League first team last year and scored 41 points in a G League game.

Robinson, who has been limited to 36 games this season, cited defensive improvement as a priority for the summer.

“I feel like focusing on that part of the floor.” he said. “Miami’s offense, I feel like I can make an impact without having to focus on it. I’ve tried to study it to a point where I understand how we move the ball, how we play off each other. … But defensively, I feel like the more I can do with my body, it will allow me to affect the defensive end.”

There are more from Miami:

• The Heat also have to decide whether to re-sign unrestricted free agents Delon Wright and Patty Mills, who joined the team midseason following acquisitions with other organizations, Chiang adds in a separate story. Both veteran guards have seen playing time due to a rash of injuries, but there may not be a long-term role for either.
• With at least three teams expressing interest in trading for Jimmy Butler, the Heat will have to determine if there’s a way to improve next season without one of their stars, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel . Winderman believes it is beneficial for the organization to get some time after the team president of Pat Riley pointed comments about the need for Butler to appear in more games.
• There is a market around the league for unrestricted free agents Haywood Highsmith, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto (video link). The 27-year-old forward has expressed his desire to stay in Miami, but the Heat’s offer could be limited due to luxury tax concerns.