Aimee
Back in October, Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan said one of his biggest concerns was that power forward Josh McRoberts might exercise the opt-out in his contract.
Eight months later, Jordan’s worry was justified. After opting out last month, 6-foot-10 McRoberts decided Monday he’ll sign with the Miami Heat. ESPN, which first reported the deal, said McRoberts will get a four-year, $23 million contract with a player option after the third season.
As a team over the salary cap, that’s the most the Heat could offer – its mid-level exception. The Hornets, with abundant cap room, had the resources to offer more.
This is a huge raise over the $2.7 million McRoberts was scheduled to make under the terms of the contract he voided.
McRoberts’ agent, Mike Conley Sr., told the Observer the Heat offered slightly more than the Hornets’ best offer. Conley added that McRoberts struggled with the choice because of his relationship with Hornets coach Steve Clifford.
“He just labored over it because he so loves Clifford,” Conley said.
