(When the lockout ends, the Miami Heat will be limited to no more than
the mid-level exception to spend in free agency, which should fall
somewhere in the $5.5 million range. That’s if it exists at all in a new
collective-bargaining agreement. Otherwise, there might only be the
veteran minimum to spend, which would be roughly $1 million for 2011-12.
This is the 10th in a series of evaluations of potential free-agent
targets.) Continue reading “Miami Heat ‘Free-agent Focus’: Eddy Curry” »

Forward James Jones has informed the Miami Heat he won’t be exercising
the player option in his contract and will become a free agent,
according to an NBA source.

Jones, who was waived days before free agency opened last year, then
re-signed 21 days later, would’ve earned $1.3 million this year had he
exercised his option. Continue reading “James Jones declines player option, will become free agent” »

You don’t host a party one year then usher out the guests of honor the next.

So 2011-12 (lockout permitting) for the Miami Heat will start where
2010-11 ended, with a blueprint designed around the skills of LeBron
James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

The difference will be that Heat President Pat Riley and coach Erik
Spoelstra will have a greater sense of what it takes to complement such a
core.

Continue reading “The Big Three part won't change.” »

Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem spent Tuesday considering
makeovers, in terms of both personal grooming and grooming his future.

Foremost, the focus during an appearance at the team’s youth camp at
South Broward High School in Hollywood was the direction the Heat will
take in free agency, with Haslem and teammate Dwyane Wade both to become
part of that process July 1.

Asked if he expected Wade, his closest friend on the team, to be back
next season, Haslem said "I think he will." Continue reading “Haslem thinks Wade will be back, not as sure about himself” »

Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer may yet get his wish to play for the
Miami Heat.

But it could come with a price, according to a suggestion Wednesday in a
Miami newspaper column.

According to the Herald item, an unidentified "official close to the
Heat said Miami wants to pursue Carlos Boozer if it cannot get Chris
Bosh (its top power forward choice), or, likely, Amare Stoudemire.
Boozer would love to play here but would need to accept below his $15.8
million maximum first-year salary." Continue reading “Utah Jazz: Heat looking at Carlos Boozer if they can't get Bosh” »