The NBA offseason is here and that means free agent players can sign with teams and names like Shawn Marion, Trevor Ariza, Spencer Hawes, Channing Frye, Marvin Williams, Vince Carter, Kyle Lowry, DeJuan Blair, Steve Blake and Luol Deng are all targets for the Miami Heat and some of those players could fill in roles around LeBron James and the rest of the Big 3 if they remain in South Beach.
Miami is coming into the offseason after losing to the Spurs in the NBA finals and they are looking to retool and reshape the team for James as they try to sign him back after he opted out of his deal. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the team is looking at a number of mid-level free agents along with names like Kyle Lowry and Luol Deng, including Shawn Marion, Trevor Ariza, Spencer Hawes, Channing Frye, Marvin Williams, Vince Carter as well as Steve Blake. Miami needs to fill their roster with role players past James and the Big 3 and past players that filled that role included Mike Miller and Shane Battier.
The Heat have some major targets in free agency and after reports came out that they wanted to sign Carmelo Anthony to pair with LeBron James, the team has backed off of that idea. The cost would likely be too much and since James wants a max deal, it's nearly impossible for the team to sign both players. Luol Deng has been a target for the Miami Heat as well, but so far it appears he will not be willing to take a pay cut to sign with the team. Deng is one of the most attractive free agents in the NBA and it comes after he was traded from the Bulls to the Cavaliers last season.
The Bulls likely will chase Deng after trading him, but they also are in the mix for Carmelo Anthony and they could be going after some of the same free agents as Miami. Isaiah Thomas was another name the Heat were looking at, with about $6 million going to him, but he should get more on the market as teams like the Pistons and Lakers go after him. The Lakers have cap space and they could also be a destination for Deng.
The lower level names are important for Miami and someone like Marion could serve a number of roles off the bench for the team. Blake is another option, as he is a spot three point shooter and that is something the team can use and he is also getting chased by the Thunder. Ariza could also be a nice fit after the season he had in Washington, while Hawes is a big man the team could go after. Miami needs to make moves and they have some major targets and some smaller named players to go after.
