MIAMI — Typically, July 4 stands as a demarcation in the NBA’s free agent process, a period when there is a pause from the initial rush of major signings, a reset by some who had sights set higher, and the reality of dwindling remaining cap cash around the league.

The holding pattern tends to become even more defined when the personnel moratorium is lifted and agreements can turn into signings, which this year is Saturday at 12:01 p.m.

For now, as has been the case almost through these opening five days of free agency, it mostly has been a holding pattern for the Miami Heat.

At the moment, there are the matters that have already been handled by Pat Riley and the Heat’s front office, the uncertainty for those from the team’s 2024-25 roster still among the undecided, and then what comes next.

Already accomplished

Love returns: After opting out of the final, $4 million season on the two-year contract signed last summer in free agency, backup center Kevin Love returned on a similar two-year contract at $4 million a season.

Unlike his previous contract, there are no option years in the agreement. The deal with Love, 35, did not provide cap relief from his previous Heat contract.

Bryant back: Like Love, backup center Thomas Bryant opted out of the final year of the two-year contract signed last summer in free agency, returning on a salary similar to that bypassed by opting out.

Unlike with Love, the opt-out and re-signing by Bryant, 26, saves the Heat about $800,000 against the cap and tax aprons.

Richardson returns: Unlike Love and Bryant, Richardson picked up the $3.1 million 2024-25 option on the two-year contract signed last summer in free agency.

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