The Miami Heat have found success when it comes to capitalizing off contract buyouts. Last season the team picked up Chris Andersen off the free agent market to help build size for a late-season run. The result was a second-straight championship. However, the reigning top dogs are having a hard time getting someone this time around and may have to settle after several free agents head elsewhere.
Miami has been striking out in free agency. Missing out on Andrew Bynum got the ball rolling. The Heat attempted to sign the center after he was released by the Chicago Bulls following a trade. The Indiana Pacers won that race. The Heat then set their sights on available Danny Granger after he was bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers. He signed with the Clippers. Caron Butler was the next target for Miami. The Heat felt they had the upperhand given Butler was originally draft by Miami and still friends with locker room. The Oklahoma Thunder landed the small forward instead.
So far, Miami has been swinging and missing in free agency and might be forced to sign one of the only players left, Metta World Peace. Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders reports the Heat are targeting the forward with a possible 10-day contract to see how he works out. World Peace was bought out by the New York Knicks after failing to really contribute to the team. He has cleared waivers and is waiting for a phone call.
World Peace has said he would ideally like to sign with a contender and the Heat certainly fits that description. However, World Peace's injury history hurts his options. The Heat already have Greg Oden in and out of the lineup. Dwyane Wade is on and off the bench. Miami is really targeting someone that can step in for Wade and add scoring depth. World Peace might not be that guy, but he could be the only option.
The Heat would wise to at least glance in Ben Gordon's direction. The guard is currently working on a buyout with the Charlotte Bobcats and could become available as early as the weekend. He would certainly be a scoring threat off the bench like Miami wants. The Chicago Bulls appeared to have interest in Gordon, but according to the Daily Herald, Mike McGraw reports Jimmer Fredette is likely to get that roster spot since he will be available first.
Miami is running out of options. If they wait on the World Peace signing, another team could pick him up. If Gordon does not be available, the Heat are left with nothing.