The Heat and NBA Cap Myths

Woke up this morning and read an excellent blog post by Ethan Skolnick at the Sun-Sentinel on the myths regarding the Heat's newfound cap flexibility.

Certainly this paints a slightly less cheery picture for our future. Unless we can convince Shawn Marion to opt out and sign a long term offer at about 12-13 million a year, then we really aren't going to be players in this summer's free agent market.

Marion of course would be foolish to turn down the 17 million dollar payday for next season if he had no guarantees of a long-term deal. My biggest concern is that Marion is a guy who constantly feels neglected and under-appreciated. It's entirely possible he feels he is worth 20 million dollars a year (which he is not).

Hopefully, when the time comes, Marion will understand he will not receive a contract worth 17-20 million a year from anyone. Re-signing with the Heat at 12 million is more than fair for both parties, and it allows the Heat to offer potential free agents an addition 5 million per year. I'm not sure that going after a guy like Elton Brand is feasible in any scenario that has us keeping Marion.

Still, if the Heat end up draft Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose, a mid-level free agent would give this team 4 excellent starters. Trading J-Will or Ricky Davis before the deadline could bring in the 5th. Trading Haslem and/or Blount would likewise bring in some expiring contracts. The realm of possibilities is endless. For now, we have about 10 days to see what Riley will do with what he's got left. Then it's just waiting out the losses until the draft.