The 1996–97 NBA season was the Bullets' 36th season in the National Basketball Association. During the off-season, the Bullets acquired Rod Strickland and former Bullets forward Harvey Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers, and signed free agents Tracy Murray, and Jaren Jackson. Despite a stellar season last year, Juwan Howard signed a 7-year $100 million contract with the Miami Heat. However, the deal was voided claiming that Miami exceeded their salary cap; the Bullets quickly re-signed Howard, but would lose their first round draft pick next year. After 46 games into the season, the Bullets fired head coach Jim Lynam, then after playing one game under assistant Bob Staak, and holding a 22–25 record at the All-Star break. they hired Bernie Bickerstaff as their new coach. Under Bickerstaf