Heat Eye Konchar, Lose Hall to College

The Miami Heat are linked to veteran John Konchar after his waiver, have one roster spot open, and lost prospect Keyshawn Hall to a college NIL deal.

The Miami Heat are reportedly interested in veteran forward John Konchar, who was waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Heat had previously expressed interest in trading for Konchar before he was sent to Utah in February.

Miami currently has one open roster spot and sits about $2.5 million below the league's first apron hard cap. This gives them just enough room to sign one more player to a veteran's minimum contract. The spot opened after recent moves to add free agents Klay Thompson and Nick Richards on standard deals and re-sign Keshad Johnson to a two-way contract.

Konchar is expected to clear waivers on Monday, becoming an unrestricted free agent. He shot 28.3% from three-point range last season but holds a career average of 34.9%. The Heat could view him as a low-cost shooting option to space the floor for stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. You can track potential roster changes on the team's official squad page.

Prospect Chooses College Over Exhibit 10 Deal

For the first time in franchise history, the Miami Heat have lost a player to a college program. According to Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel, prospect Keyshawn Hall was on the verge of accepting an Exhibit 10 contract with Miami. That deal would have included a potential $91,000 guarantee if he joined the Heat's G League affiliate.

Instead, Hall opted for a larger financial package through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money at St. John's University. This will be his fifth different college team in five years. Winderman notes that Hall would be eligible to return to the Heat or any NBA team if the NCAA blocks his return to collegiate play.

Larsson Shines in FIBA Qualifiers

Heat rookie Pelle Larsson is making a strong case for a significant role this season. Playing for Sweden in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, Larsson scored 31 points in a win over Finland on Thursday. He is showing he can fill the sixth-man role vacated by Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was traded to Milwaukee.

"Just being aggressive, trying to attack every moment," Larsson said. "Overall, just whenever I get the ball, I try to be aggressive." Larsson and Sweden will face Victor Wembanyama and France on Sunday. His performance could influence his early-season stats.

Speculation on Spoelstra's Future

In a separate note, Winderman speculated on the long-term future of head coach Erik Spoelstra. During a SiriusXM NBA Radio appearance, Winderman suggested Spoelstra might consider moving into a front office role with the Heat after coaching Team USA in the 2028 Olympics.

Winderman made it clear this was just speculation, adding, "But who knows, maybe he's one of those coaching lifers." Spoelstra, who signed a $120 million extension two years ago, has been Miami's head coach since 2008.

Source: Hoops Rumors