Concerns are growing over the state of the Heat roster moving forward…
Miami Heat star LeBron James isn’t ready to commit to a new contract with the franchise as he is reportedly unhappy with the idea of taking another salary cut.
The Heat have paid the luxury tax the previous two years and will do so again this season, however, the front office have continued to make a concerted effort to manage their spending.
Having amnestied Mike Miller last summer, they also moved to offload Joel Anthony’s contract earlier this year while they didn’t use the mid-level exception which would have acted as a primary tool for adding another rotation player.
As a result, critics have suggested that the management have allowed the roster to stagnate and age, which ultimately resulted in a crushing Finals series loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
A lack of depth was arguably the key difference between the two teams in the end, and the former champions know they must strengthen this summer if they are return to the top.
However, the first bit of business will be deciding upon the futures of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, with the trio all able to opt out of their contracts.
While the general consensus is that James will remain, he will potentially put pressure on the Heat organisation by opting out which would in turn push them to offer a better deal. In addition, the Big Three generate a lot of revenue for owner Micky Arison, and they could put themselves in a strong position if they do decide to act together to get what they feel are the appropriate deals.
Nevertheless, they will have to balance that hope with giving the franchise enough flexibility to add to the roster, with Carmelo Anthony even being linked with a possible move from the New York Knicks.
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