NBA Rumors: Kendrick Nunn expected to draw significant interest in FA

NBA Rumors: Kendrick Nunn’s interest in the open market could be vast; what impact will that have on the Miami Heat’s approach?

At the beginning of this season, Kendrick Nunn was somewhat of an afterthought in the Miami Heat’s rotation. However, every time he’s been called upon by Erik Spoelstra, for the most part, he’s answered the call.

Even though Nunn isn’t having as consistent of a regular season as he had last season (before the pandemic), there’s a case to be made that he’s more than proven he can be a strong contributor at the NBA level. And, in fact, Nunn is posting better shooting percentages than last season.

Kendrick Nunn has been quite consistent overall this season for the Miami Heat

Nunn is averaging 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game this season on 47 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s filled in anywhere on the floor for the Heat and has been even a strong spot-starter, when needed, for Miami this season.

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Nunn has done anything asked by Spoelstra and has remained ready despite losing his spot in the rotation during the NBA’s restart bubble last season. You can’t help but feel impressed by Nunn’s resilience and with the way he’s handled himself over the last two seasons with the Heat.

And it appears that his resiliency is something that is going to pay off by being one of the most sought-after free agents on the open market during the offseason.

"[via Basketball News]Multiple teams inquired about Nunn’s availability, and at least two of those teams have shifted their focus to pursuing the 25-year-old once he becomes a free agent this offseason. Nunn will be a restricted free agent once the Heat extend a $4,736,102 qualifying offer.Judging by the number of teams that showed interest prior to the trade deadline and the fact that Nunn is currently playing the best basketball of his career, he’s expected to receive significant interest once free agency begins."

It’s no surprise that Nunn is going to have suitors during the offseason. He finished in the top 3 of NBA Rookie of the Year voting last season and is having a strong sophomore season this year. He’s proven that he can come back from adversity and falling out of a rotation doesn’t appear to be something that throws him off.

The bigger question is whether or not the Heat will elect to match any offer that he gets on the open market. Even though he’s been a key part of Miami’s recent resurgence, there’s been no tangible way to measure what Miami believes he’s worth – apart from choosing not to include him in any deal at the NBA trade deadline this season.

But, during the offseason, we’re finally going to be able to get that opportunity.

Especially with Victor Oladipo’s injury and Goran Dragic’s steady decline, Miami is going to need help in the backcourt this offseason. Re-signing Nunn seems like it would be something that the Heat should probably explore. Though, at what cost?

Miami has been careful with how they’ve elected to spend assets and money over the last couple of seasons. Heading into a big 2021 offseason, after taking quite a bit of a step back this season, it’ll be interesting to see how they approach free agency and transaction season.

It’s tough to predict whether Nunn will be back with the Heat or not, but it’ll be interesting to see how a vast market for him could potentially dictate the team’s approach.