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Fallout From Failed Odom Signing Could Prove Crucial For Heat Future
Now, there is a saying that there is no such thing as a must win game. Well, for the Heat, this might be a crucial offseason looking like a must win situation. The pressure may now have shifted to Pat Riley as well, who is faced with paying luxury taxes on a team that got into the playoffs last year and is faced with proving itself a good fit for Dwyane Wade’s future as he looks forward to next offseason’s big boon.
Let’s look at the Heat’s situation – they just failed in their attempt at signing Odom to the mid-level exception. It was a gamble, sure, but it didn’t work out. Heat fans might feel reminded of the Mo Williams sweepstakes just over a few seasons ago. The Heat also let Jamario Moon walk without getting any compensation. Perhaps it was overlooked by the Heat’s attempt to land Odom, but that would be too simplistic. If the Heat re-signed Moon they would be faced with paying double – since they are currently over the league’s $69.9 million dollar luxury tax line.
The Heat have several options on the table. They are reportedly looking at Jamaal Tinsley, who would be an affordable addition to the Heat’s roster as he would provide a veteran point guard at roughly $1 million – which raises the total cost to $2M when considering the luxury tax penalty. He would compete with Mario Chalmers for the starting spot and provide more depth. Milwaukee Bucks restricted free agent Ramon Sessions remains available, but reports are that the Knicks are leaning towards extending him an offer which means the Heat’s chances to nabbing Tinsley increase.
There are other free agents that could help as well. A major need for the Heat is rebounding and Memphis has let Hakim Warrick dangle out in the free agent jetstream. The Cavs have apparently extended an offer so it isn’t certain at this time that Miami is even in the conversation. A major hurdle for Miami is the luxury tax, so if Miami is to add another player it is most likely going to be a bargain basement deal so they take a minimal hit.
There is also the Carlos Boozer situation, which has cooled substantially. Don’t expect the Heat to make a deal but then again, this is precisely when Pat Riley usually shocks people with getting a deal. The Heat have tons of contracts that are expiring after this season – the Heat would just have to be willing to take back money in return. If the Heat want to sign a player, they have to free up money. If they want to trade for another player, they have these expiring contracts which would look good to teams like the Utah Jazz – who has the highest payroll in the NBA and paying a lot in luxury tax, around $20M. Who are the expiring contracts for the Heat?
- Jermaine O’neal $22.9M
- Mark Blount $7.9M
- Udonis Haslem $7.1M
- Dorell Wright $2.75M
- Jamaal Magliore $1.2M (re-signed for this upcoming season)
- Chris Quinn $1.05M (re-signed for this upcoming season)
- Yakhouba Diawara $945K
- Joel Anthony $825K (re-signed for this upcoming season)
In order for the Heat to deal these contracts, the situation would have to be deemed an improvement for Pat Riley. That means not taking on any salary that would limit the Heat’s financial flexibility for the upcoming offseason. The Heat’s goal is to re-sign Wade to a long term deal as well as add a potential marquee free agent like a Chris Bosh or, even dare, Lebron James.
Yet right now, the Heat has to shift its focus to this offseason and the upcoming season otherwise, they may have a hard time convincing anyone to come to South Beach to play basketball.
Tell us what you think – discuss the Heat’s next move on our forum.
Point Guard Options Swell for Miami Heat
The Heat have been relatively quiet this offseason in acquiring players to round out their roster. There was the noise in the draft, and that was it. As if that wasn’t enough. Well, it isn’t if Riley is trying to launch this team back into contention.
So, you have an asset in Shawn Marion that you could potentially use in a deal to land pretty much any player you want. Sure, Elton Brand is out there, reportedly weighing offers from his current team, the Clippers, and an offer from another suitor the Golden State Warriors – who have apparently lost Baron Davis. How instantly would Elton Brand make the Heat a championship contender.
The problem? The Heat have very little financial flexibility for this season. They are staring at the $58M cap limit right now. Shawn Marion’s $17.8M has significant influence as well, but is only going to be locked in for this season. Then there is the horrible contract of Smush Parker, who is still on the books for $2.4M. Really, all Miami has to offer is the $5.8 mid-level exception (MLE), which was more attractive when Miami had Shaq and Wade and was contending.
Still there are several options that could help Miami this offseason. The first would be signing Keyon Dooling, who is seeking a substantial portion of the MLE. The Heat could offer that, but the problem is that Dooling wants a longer termed contract while Riley wants to stick to 2 years so that he can keep financially flexibile for the 2010 offseason.
Along with all this early bubbling of free agent movement, the Heat do seem to be inactive but we are assured elsewhere that the Heat are biding their time and trying to net the best value. What about Indiana’s Jamaal Tinsley? He is currently expected to be the odd man out as the Pacers just traded for TJ Ford and drafted Jerryd Bayless but then traded him to Portland for Jarret Jack.
How about the Knicks Stephon Marbury? This seems to be a real possibility to Frank Isola, and a necessary step for the Knicks in his opinion. I am sure he would be a good fit, but those draft pundits who were salivating over landing Derrick Rose to play with Dwyane Wade could find a similar scenario with Marbury – if he could reclaim his NBA stardom in a fresh start in Miami. That deal would require Miami to deal Shawn Marion, however, to make it happen. And don’t doubt that possibility as D’Antoni is quite familiar with what Marion can do.
Kirk Hinrich? It would probably take the perfect scenario to get the Bulls to trade him to the Heat and reports are he is going to Denver, which makes sense as that gets him out of the conference. This would be probably the best situation for the Heat as Hinrich could play both excellent defense and work as a shooting guard to play off of Wade when he does have the ball. Plus, you wouldn’t have to worry about Wade getting mauled when they play the Bulls anymore.
Memphis’ Kyle Lowry? Philadelphia’s Andre Miller?
There are also options on the free agent market beyond Keyon Dooling like Carlos Arroyo and Sebastian Telfair. I think Arroyo would offer a better backcourt partner to Wade than most think, as he would be playing in Miami and he would be freed up to shoot when he got the ball or create plays. Everyone remembers how tough Arroyo was when he played for Puerto Rico and something tells me that playing in Miami would give him that same energy.
Also, what about Jason Williams? Don’t expect the Heat to bring him back unless there is some really perceived value there. In other words, if he is the best option left and they can sign him to come off the bench for the veteran minimum.
So, don’t buy the Heat’s relative quietness at this point. They have a plethora of options out there, it is just a matter of working with the right scenario. That means the team has to keep its flexibility and it won’t look to get into a contract beyond 2010. They will also look for a clear upgrade over Marcus Banks and Mario Chalmers – who many are likening to Rajon Rondo, the flavor of the moment. Also, don’t overlook free agent invitee Jason Richards from Davidson. He missed the shot that could have spoiled Kansas’ run and lead the nation in assists and assist to turnover ratio.
The Heat are in the driver’s seat where point guard is concerned and an option like Jamaal Tinsley or Marbury could be had at a really, really cheap price.
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