We often say that to win a championship, you need the role players to step up. Yes, stars will be stars and carry the team. But without a supporting cast, teams struggle to get far in the playoffs. Today, we will look at players who will be free agents this summer. And judging by their play in the playoffs so far, they can expect a raise in their salary.
Top 3 Role Players Earning a Raise in the Playoffs
Davion Mitchell
The Miami Heat are known to help role players get big contracts, for example, Gabe Vincent . After playing a pivotal role for the Heat to make it to the 2023 Finals, he signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has yet to replicate the success he had with the Heat, although injuries played a role in that.
This year, Davion Mitchell might be that player for the Heat . Through the first two games of the playoffs, he is the Heat’s second-leading scorer with 18 points per game. But the more impressive part is his shooting efficiency. Mitchell shot 71% from the floor and 57% from behind the arc. He will earn $6.4 million this year, and in the summer, he might look for a bigger contract. Teams might be reluctant to sign a 6-foot-2 point guard, but if he continues to shoot the lights out, Davion can expect a contract in the range of the mid-level exception.
Ty Jerome
Ty Jerome has become the poster child for an underpaid role player this season. The Cavaliers might have to lose him in free agency because of the way the salary cap works. In this year’s playoffs, he is the team’s third-leading scorer. Unlike Mitchell, Jerome might have a deeper run, giving him even more opportunities to shine. Among contributing role players in the playoffs, Jerome might have the lowest contract.
There is no way he is playing next season for $2.5 million per year under his current contract. Jerome might be the hottest name on the market once the big stars sign contracts. He has a chance to be this year’s Bruce Brown Jr . When the Nuggets won the title in 2023, Brown signed a rich, two-year, $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers. There are not many teams with salary space this summer, but the Spurs could certainly make an offer. The Cavs hope they can keep him for the tax mid-level, but if they are over the first or second apron , that might not be in play.
Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley had a big contract earlier in his career. In 2020, he re-signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves, securing a four-year, $60 million contract. He is 28 years old now, and this might be his big chance for another big contract.
He has been one of the most valuable players on the Pistons. After playing in all 82 games through the regular season, Beasley is having a decent postseason. His three-point efficiency has taken a dip compared to the regular season. In the regular season, he shot 41.6% from deep. Now, he is shooting only 30% from deep in the first round. The Pistons have played great against the Knicks. If Beasley and the Pistons find a way to upset the third-seed Knicks , his price might rise. In any case, he can hope to sign a multi-year contract in the offseason.
Photo credit: © David Richard-Imagn Images
The post Top 3 Role Players Earning a Raise in the Playoffs appeared first on Last Word On Basketball .