The Miami Heat and their “Big Three” are currently standing at a crossroads. Each member of the big three, as well as the rest of the team, will have to make some very important decisions this summer. Will they stay united and give it another go for the championship?
Or will they decide to part ways and seek a better, more suitable environment? Well, that’s another article for another day. Today, we’ll look at the rest of the roster.
(UPDATE: Lebron James opts-out! Here’s an in-depth assessment of Miami team needs this offseason, in light of this news)
(UPDATE: Heat entirely clear their roster, Bosh officially opts-out, what does this mean and what will they do with the cap space? how will this affect Pat Riley’s future?)
The only player under contract for the upcoming season is Norris Cole. And that’s the only member of this Miami Heat team guaranteed to return in 2014–2015. In addition to Cole, the Heat might have Udonis Haslem on-board too, who holds a player option worth $4.6 million for the upcoming season, so he’s unlikely to turn that down.
What about the other 13 players the Heat have on their roster?
Chris Andersen, who had a $1.4 million player option for the upcoming season, announced soon after the end of the 2014 NBA Finals that he won’t exercise it. The Birdman could still return to the Miami Heat, but he will most probably demand a higher paycheck.
Shane Battier has already decided to retire.
Ray Allen is still undecided about his future.
At the age of 38 and with two championship rings on his fingers, it seems like a good time for the best shooter the NBA has ever seen to retire. However, Allen proved during the 2013 – 2014 season that he can be a factor for Miami. In fact, he was the sixth man for the defending champs the last two seasons. If the big three stick together, look for Allen to stay in action for another (maybe his final) season.
Mario Chalmers will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and chances are he doesn’t return to Miami. The 28 – year old guard was unreliable during the NBA Finals and he even got benched in Game 5.
Of course, Chalmers is by far the best point guard the Heat have had since the Big Three came together. Nevertheless, since it’s time for radical changes in Miami, Chalmers could be on the move.
What about Carmelo Anthony? Any chance he’s coming?
Michael Beasley, who was brought to Miami one year ago in order to help the Heat three-peat will also be an unrestricted free agent but he expressed his desire to return to the Miami Heat for another season. If he finally earns the trust of Erik Spoelstra, he can be a factor for the Heat. During this past season, Beasley barely got minutes. The same goes for Greg Oden. If the Miami Heat decide to risk a bit and trust the 7-foot 2007 top overall pick, they might be rewarded.
Rashard Lewis, James Jones and Toney Douglas will all be unrestricted free agents. Although the Miami Heat could bring one or all of them back, they will most probably have to agree to earn the veteran’s minimum to stay in South Beach. All three are expendables.
Ron Leyba is the content manager of Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues – premier source of fantasy basketball updates, rankings and rumors. For more of his fantasy basketball updates, follow Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues Google+ account.