As expected all three members of the Miami Heat's Big Three have opted out of their contracts in order to become free agents this offseason. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are all prepared to hit the market and test their worth with other franchises. However, with the Heat preparing some other moves, could the Big Three really just be opting out for financial leverage with the team?
According to ESPN.com, Wade, James and Bosh have been meeting to discuss financial terms of their next contracts with the Heat. This is the strongest indicator so far that all three players plan on re-signing with Miami. In 2010, Wade, James and Bosh signed almost identical contract with Miami, but likely would not do that this time around. Wade is aging while James would draw the most money. In his 11-year NBA career, he has next been the highest paid player in the league despite winning four league MVP awards.
Finances appear to be playing the biggest role this time around. The Heat will have around $55 million in available cap space which is a decent amount. If all three re-sign and take raises, they would make $22 million each which would severely limit the Heat's future free agency moves. If they take significant pay cuts to around $5 million, it would free up space for options like Carmelo Anthony or Kyle Lowry. However, there has been a lot of debate as to whether or not James, Wade and Bosh would be willing to once again accept less money.
The Heat appear to making strides to retain all three players. They first traded up in the NBA Draft to acquire point guard Shabazz Napier. James has made it known that he believed Napier was the best point guard in this year's rookie class. With Mario Chalmers headed off to free agency, the former Connecticut star is a nice addition. If the Heat can add Lowry into the mix, they would have an excellent backcourt.
The Heat will need role players. Udonis Haslam has opted out of his final year in his contract to test free agency. Chris Andersen and Rashard Lewis did the same. Shane Battier has retired while Ray Allen is a free agent as well. The Heat have to make some moves. They appear to be headed on the right pay and team president Pat Riley is very confident everything works out for the best.
