In a bold move ahead of the 2025 NBA offseason, Miami Heat sharpshooter Duncan Robinson has decided to decline his $19.9 million player option, choosing instead to test free agency, per ESPN insider Shams Charania.
A strategic bet on the open market
Robinson’s decision to walk away from nearly $20 million signals confidence in his market value and a desire to explore more opportunities across the NBA landscape. Known as one of the league’s premier long-range threats, the 30-year-old forward is betting on his skill set being a hot commodity in a league where elite shooting is always at a premium.
Duncan Robinson is coming off a season in which he reaffirmed his reputation as a deep-threat specialist. During Miami’s spirited playoff run to the NBA Finals, he knocked down 39.7% of his shots from beyond the arc on 7.4 attempts per game. Notably, his seven three-pointers in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers tied him for the third-most in a Finals game—underscoring just how lethal he can be when in rhythm.
From undrafted to unmatched value
Robinson’s journey from undrafted rookie to a franchise cornerstone has been nothing short of remarkable. In August 2021, he signed a five-year, $90 million extension with the Heat—the largest contract ever given to an undrafted player at the time. His impact was immediate and enduring, serving as a key floor-spacer for a Heat team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals three times and made two Finals appearances in the past six years.
Over his seven-year career with Miami, Robinson has averaged 7.2 three-point attempts per game, converting at an impressive 39.7% clip. That places him among the top 60 in all-time NBA history for three-point percentage—a testament to his consistency and volume.
A one-dimensional weapon with transformative impact
Despite being often labeled as "one-dimensional," Duncan Robinson's shooting prowess forces opposing defenses to adjust schemes every night. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has openly praised his impact on the court, emphasizing the unique way he distorts opposing defenses.
“I know there’s analytics to it now, but there’s players where you just know they tilt the defense differently,” Spoelstra said earlier this year. “Duncan is one of these guys. He just is... It’s from years or reputation of being deadly coming off screens.”
What’s next for the Miami Heat and Duncan Robinson?
The Heat, who finished a disappointing 37-45 last season, are clearly entering a transitional phase. With rumors swirling about potential trades involving Jimmy Butler, the franchise appears ready to shift its core identity around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. That makes this summer pivotal—not only for rebuilding the roster but also for defining the next era of Miami basketball.
Robinson’s expiring contract made him a potential trade chip, but his exit from the team’s books now provides both flexibility and questions. Will Miami attempt to re-sign him on a team-friendly deal, or is this the end of the Duncan Robinson era in South Beach?
Robinson’s move to decline his $19.9 million player option may seem risky on paper, but it also reflects the growing value of elite perimeter shooters in today’s NBA. As teams across the league look to fortify their rosters with proven snipers, Robinson could emerge as one of the most sought-after names in free agency. His next destination remains unknown—but one thing is clear: wherever he lands, defenses will have to respect the arc.