Let's be real. The Miami Heat will be targeting every prominent free agent this offseason using their mid-level exception. The team is hamstrung by the salary cap, and will utilize the MLE in discussions with player on the marketing. Getting any of the players mentioned in this report will be difficult.
Steve Nash, Chris Kaman, Grant Hill, Andre Miller, Ray Allen and Jermaine O’Neal are among the players who Miami could target with their mini mid-level exception, according to sources close to the situation. Those players can likely make more money elsewhere, but may be willing to take less to join the HEAT. Another option for Miami is Brandon Roy, who will attempt to make an NBA comeback next season after retiring last December.
STEVE NASH
Steve Nash, Chris Kaman, Grant Hill, Andre Miller, Ray Allen and Jermaine O’Neal are among the players who Miami could target with their mini mid-level exception, according to sources close to the situation. Those players can likely make more money elsewhere, but may be willing to take less to join the HEAT. Another option for Miami is Brandon Roy, who will attempt to make an NBA comeback next season after retiring last December.
STEVE NASH
While Steve Nash would be an amazing get for the Heat because it would add another player who can create shots for teammates (relieving LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of some of that pressure), he will not sign with Miami.
Nash has maintained that while he wants to play for a contender he wants to work for a championship and play a major role in attaining his coveted ring. He doesn't want to join a juggernaut just to be along for the ride.
Maybe that's just the Canadian way, but Nash wants more of a challenge than playing for the Heat.
Chances:Minimal
CHRIS KAMAN
Miami's biggest need is at center and Chris Kaman would fill the void admirably.
As Chris Bosh has evolved into more of a face up/pick-and-pop player in Miami, the Heat are left without any low post scoring threats aside from the occasional post-ups from James and Wade.
Kaman would add an accomplished scorer down on the block, while also adding a rebounding and shot-blocking force in the middle.
Chances:High
GRANT HILL
As the oldest player in the NBA, Grant Hill feels Father Time beckoning him away from the basketball court.
Hill knows that this will be his last opportunity to play for a title and he's the type of guy who would take a minimum salary to allow the Heat to sign other helpful players as well.
Though he's turning 40 this November, Hill can still play a role off the bench as the Heat try to repeat as champs.
Chances:Not Likely
ANDRE MILLER
Ray Allen would be an excellent fit for Miami.
The Heat need floor spacers on the court to open up driving lanes for James and Wade and there's no better floor spacer in the league than Allen.
Miami looked unbeatable during the stretches when Mike Miller, Chalmers and Shane Battier were knocking down open threes. Ray Allen can be all of those guys rolled into one.
And, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst,the interest is mutual.
Chances:Very High
JERMAINE O'NEAL
Miami already knows what it's like to have O'Neal on the squad. While he did alright with the Heat as recently as the 2010 season, the last two seasons makes it feel like O'Neal is finished.
O'Neal played just 49 games over the past two seasons combined. Even when he has been in the lineup, he's been ineffective to say the least. The Heat know that the former All-Star has nothing left to offer besides six fouls a game.
Chances:Very Low
BRANDON ROY
Brandon Roy recently announced his intention to attempt a comeback to the NBA.
Though Roy is still in his prime as an athlete, his balky knees have been a problem for years and they will eventually wear down no matter how cautious he tries to be.
Sadly, Roy will never be the same force he once was and he may not even stay healthy for more than a handful of games.
Even though Roy's price tag ought to be palatable, the Heat shouldn't target a player who may provide more distractions than results.
Chances:Low
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