Salary cap space is an issue for the Miami Heat as they will either be able to sign a few quality players or settle for minimum contracts. Dwyane Wade has the ability to opt in or out on his contract along with Luol Deng while Goran Dragic is seeking a max contract in the process. The Heat will have to make some tough decisions in the coming months heading into free agency as they would like to bolster their front court and shooting options for the 2015-16 season.
According to the Miami Herald, Wade and Deng will be the deciding factors to exact amount of freedom the team has in free agency. Wade can opt in on a $16 million option or opt out and demand more money. Chances are high he opts in since any other salary will not be that much. Deng can opt in a $10 million option. Those contracts along with the Dragic demands would have the Heat overflowing with luxury tax penalties. If the team can manage the situation, what free agents can the afford to acquire.
If Deng heads elsewhere, the team will look at other elite options. According to CBSSports.com, Rajon Rondo is not a likely target. The team tried to acquire Reggie Jackson at the trade deadline, but got Rondo instead. They could be forced into trades for players like Ty Lawson or Brandon Jennings if he is available. Heatnation.com reports that Pat Riley is very confident Dragic remains with the Heat. That means he gives the point guard a five-year, $109 million contract. At this point, Heat fans might be hoping Deng opts out and saves the team $10 million in cap space to use in free agency.
Defense will be a priority in order to get Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside some help. If the team has extra money, players like Greg Monroe or DeAndre Jordan become options. If the starting five stay intact, players like Mike Dunleavy, Corey Brewer, DeMarre Carroll, Jordan Hill or Robin Lopez could be affordable options as they are all both versatile in shooting and defending. The Heat will have to be strategic in who they target with little money. Players like Carroll and Brewer who showed great progress will demand more money and bigger roles than the Heat might be able to offer which could leave them back at the drawing board for free agents.
