Miami Heat retain Kevin Love, bring back Josh Richardson

The defending Eastern Conference champions have been the middle of a lot at the start of free agency.

The Miami Heat reportedly lost Gabe Vincent to a reported three-year, $33 million to the Los Angeles Lakers, and are about to potentially lose Max Strus in a sign-and-trade.

But the team did sign Kevin Love back on a two-year deal for $3.7 million — with the second year being a player option — and also brought back 2015 second-round draft pick Josh Richardson on a two-year deal, according to multiple reports.

Kevin Love has agreed to return to the Heat on a two-year Heat deal starting at $3.7 million, with the second year a player option.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 1, 2023

Josh Richardson’s Heat contract is two years at the veteran minimum, with the second year a player option.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 1, 2023

Love was signed by the Heat in the buyout market last February and became the team’s starting power forward, averaging 7.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest in 21 regular season games.

He also averaged 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest in 20 playoff appearances.

Richardson, who the Heat traded in the 2019 summer to land Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade, has since had stints with the 76ers, Mavericks, Celtics, Spurs and Pelicans.

Last season, he played 65 games between time with San Antonio and New Orleans, averaging 10.1 points per game and shooting 36.5 percent on 3-pointers.