Insider says buzz is 'ridiculous' around Heat free agent

The Miami Heat's run to the 2023 NBA Finals appears to have done a lot of good for a few of their key role players. While the organization has numerous tough decisions to make on their own pending free agents, along with the potential waiting game surrounding a possible Damian Lillard trade, Miami is in store for an interesting stretch.

But one name that's apparently picked up steam is sharpshooter Max Strus. As Marc Stein revealed in 'The Stein Line,' the Indiana Pacers are "strongly weighing a three-year offer for Strus in the $48 million range." He also cited a quote from ESPN's Zach Lowe detailing the massive amount of attention Strus is getting ahead of free agency.

“The amount of Max Strus buzz right now is ridiculous,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe said on a recent podcast. “Max Strus is getting the midlevel exception … All those teams are scared that someone with cap room is gonna beat that offer.”  

Along with the Pacers, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports earlier reported three other teams with interest — the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have the full mid-level exception. Fischer also believes that the amount of interest Strus is drawing around the league points to his being unlikely to return to the Heat. Beyond that, he also notes that the 27-year-old is likely to command above the full mid-level exception.

If this is a sign of how the rest of free agency could pan out, it should make for must-watch TV for a few of the top free agents. There also may be a strong likelihood we could see some mid-tier players receive larger deals than expected.