Larsson Gets Paid

The Heat locked up Pelle Larsson on a four-year, $60 million extension Thursday, the clearest signal yet of how Miami envisions its supporting cast around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Larsson came into last season as a relative unknown and finished averaging 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on nearly 49% shooting — numbers that earned him real money and a place in the franchise's next chapter.

The fit makes sense on paper. With Herro, Jaquez, and Ware all shipped to Milwaukee in the Giannis trade, Miami needed to identify which pieces from last year's group were worth keeping. Larsson's combination of ball movement and shooting efficiency made him the obvious answer. Davion Mitchell is already here to run the offense; Larsson gives Giannis another release valve who doesn't need the ball to be useful.

Four years is a commitment, not a placeholder. Miami is telling Larsson he'll be part of whatever this thing becomes — not just the transition season, but the follow-through.