Every move the Miami Heat make this summer will be with the Big Three in mind. All three have the opportunity to head elsewhere. LeBron James has already made it known that he will be dipping a toe into the free agent market and Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh could be prepared to follow his move. Many believe the Big Three are simply trying to create leverage for Miami to spend more money and acquire a few big names. After drafting Shabazz Napier, could Kyle Lowry be the next to join in?
According to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report, the Heat are looking to escalate a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors to acquire Lowry in free agency. However, Bucher writes there is a catch to this. While the Heat want to send cash and draft picks to the Raptors, Toronto wants Bosh. The center would have nothing to do with the sign-and-trade deal, the Raptors just want to reacquire their former center.
If the Raptors believe they have a chance at re-signing Lowry. This deal is dead. The Miami Heat also have no intentions of letting Chris Bosh go so if Toronto wants him part of the deal, it simply will not happen. The Heat have had their eyes on Lowry for some time now. The point guard saw his stock skyrocket over the past season as he became a leader on the young Raptors roster, leading them to the postseason.
Miami is wise to try and escalate a sign-and-trade rather than sign him outright. It would at least help their salary cap situation which is already tight to start with. The Heat are hoping that getting a player like Lowry would entice James, Wade and Bosh to re-sign with the team. He would offer more scoring and be a definite upgrade over Mario Chalmers. He is a free agent as well and Miami does not intend on re-signing him.
Lowry will not be cheap for the Heat. Many believe he could demand upwards of $10 million per season. There is also the question of how Napier plays into the pursuit of the point guard. The Heat traded up to acquire the former Connecticut star, but he may or may not be ready to start. No matter what, Lowry is the better option and Miami needs to find a way to get him.