The Miami Heat reach the offseason, their first priority will be LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The Big 3 can all opt out of their contracts this offseason and become free agents. However, the Heat have no intentions of letting their star players get away that easily. However, the Heat cannot simply re-sign the three players and expect championships to come. With others on the roster prepping for their run on the market, who does the Heat chase?
Could the Big Three become the Big Four? According to ESPN.com and the New York Post, NBA sources are reporting that the Heat will look to enter the run for Carmelo Anthony come July 1. The rich get richer. This is a long shot to start with simply because of financial reasons, but as the Heat begin to work through their salary cap issues, getting the New York Knicks guard might be a viable option.
Finances are the biggest road block in this happening. In order to sign Anthony, everyone must take pay cuts. James, Wade and Bosh must opt out of their contracts and sign smaller deals. All three took smaller deals to sign with the Heat in the first place, but will they be willing to do so again. The Heat would then have to convince Anthony to take something smaller than a max contract in order to make all finances work out.
The financial boundaries do not stop there. Chris Andersen and Udonis Haslem, the two biggest role players, have player options for next season. The Heat could have $50 million in committed cap space before moves are made. Norris COle is also under contract for next year at $2 million. Getting five players to take pay cuts just so the Heat can land Anthony is a long shot.
However, getting the guard keeps the Heat in contention always. James and Wade have both been spending less time on the court. They reduced their minutes in order to save themselves for the postseason. Wade missed 28 games this season. Getting in a shooter like Anthony would no doubt help the Heat. With Ray Allen possibly retiring, getting the scoring production from Anthony would be welcomed.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has already reported that Anthony and James would love to teamup at some point in their careers. Bosh has already publicly indicated that his first choice is to remain in South Beach. Many assume Wade is taking the same approach. If those two stay then James will likely stay put as well and they can recruit and convince Anthony to take less money for championships.
The Heat will not be alone in the pursuit. The Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics all plan on being in the running along with the New York Knicks. However, a chance to join the Big Three likely trumps everything else.
