As the NBA season slowly starts to come to an end, it is about that time where veterans start to wonder what their future holds. This is particularly true for several of the Miami Heat's key role players. The team is built around three super stars with a solid option of role players to help in assistance. Many of these players are past their prime in playing days, including Shane Battier and Mike Miller. Both are very aware of where they stand with Miami and the league in general.
Battier and Miller have seen their fair share of playing days in the NBA and might be ready to call it a career soon enough. Battier has a contract that is set to expire after the 2013-14 season. While talking to the media, Battier thinks he might be able to honor that contract, but does not see himself playing much longer than that.
"My contract is up next year, and I'll reassess where I am, but we'll see. It's a good possibility, a good possibility. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, and everything in this league is negotiable, but at that point I'll be 36 and it may be time to do something else," Battier said.
Miller is 33 and is taking a much different approach to his future. He feels that he might be able to squeeze out a few more years in the league, but only because he has not played much. Despite his lack of time on the court, Heat fans are very aware of just how clutch Miller can be. His three-point shot from the corner during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals to help put the game away is just one example. Miller is always at risk to be a casualty of the amnesty clause, especially in Miami where the team is dealing with three very large contracts on the books. His production will be hard to replace.
Both Battier and Miller remain key players in the Heat's success over the last two seasons. While they may be reaching the end of their playing days, they can certainly post up key points when needed most. Miller has made the last six of 10 long-range shots. Battier continues to be a clutch 3-point presence off the bench. Both players have significant size that makes them match-up nightmares.
The Heat will be faced with plenty of options come next summer as all three of the team's marquee players can opt out of their contracts. With Battier and Miller contemplating leaving as well, the Heat's future will be up in the air.
