Josh Richardson Opts into Player Option with the Heat

Josh Richardson has opted into his three-million-dollar player option with the Miami Heat. Richardson spent last season in his second stint with the Heat. Richardson played in 43 games last year. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while making six starting appearances for Miami. He played 25.6 minutes per game while putting up shooting splits of 44 percent from the field, 34 percent from downtown, and shot 94 percent from the free throw line. It was the second time in his career that he’s shot over 90 percent at the charity stripe, the first year being in 2021. 

Richardson suffered a dislocated right shoulder halfway through the season and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Richardson has a player option this offseason. As he sat for the rest of the season, he watched from the bench as the Heat squeaked into the playoffs and clinched the eighth seed with a blowout win over the Chicago Bulls in the final play-in game. The Heat would go on to lose in the first round to the Boston Celtics in five games. 

Richardson has been a journeyman who started his career as a second-round pick by the Heat. He’s been on five different other teams in his career - the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and New Orleans Pelicans. Richardson has been traded five times in his career and this will be his first true offseason with a decision to make. Rejoining the Heat, Richardson brings veteran experience and the “3 and D” mold off the bench for a team that is searching for depth.