The Miami Heat are still looking to add to an already-improved roster after acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo last month. They still have two open roster spots and are just over $10 million away from the first apron hard cap.
Nearly two weeks into free agency, the biggest fish, without question, is LeBron James, an unrestricted free agent for the first time since 2018.
While you could argue that James in Miami is a more seamless fit on the court than in Cleveland or Philadelphia, two of the other East teams rumored to have interest, the Heat have one big advantage over them that has nothing to do with basketball itself.
Heat can offer the most money for LeBron James:
Earlier this offseason, Klutch Sports Group founder Rich Paul made it clear that James’ free-agent decision will not be made solely for money. If that were the case, there’s no reason why he would have left Los Angeles because they owned his full bird rights.
This will be a decision purely made by happiness.
But it’s worth mentioning that the Heat can offer more money than any of the reported suitors.
As it stands right now, the Heat can offer up to $8.2 million of their mid-level exception ($8.9M left) and stay below the hard cap if they use just one more spot for a veteran minimum. To give themselves a little more leeway, it would be best to offer $7-$7.5 million of the MLE for James.
Still, that’s enough than anyone else can offer.
Cleveland is a second apron team, so they can only offer the minimum. The Warriors can’t offer more than that without making a corresponding move with Draymond Green declining his player option; Philadelphia is $3.4 million below the hard cap, so they can’t offer more than the minimum; Denver, Minnesota and New York are fighting their own financial demons.
Beyond that, James is a pretty clean fit offensively — where he’d be one of the best pure ballhandlers and passers — while being compensated for defensively alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
And he also has beautiful sunshine with plenty of golf courses to play at!
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if we didnt do the greek trade theres a good chance we finish last in a much improve division.gave up lots of players had to do it to avoid years of playin years.when greek is done welcome to the miami generals.gotta get at least one ring while greek is here to validate trade.
First line is wrong. Last line is right.
with last years team who are we clearly better then.when bam is your best player ceiling is 8th-10th seed
gsw just hired lebrons ex coach frank vogel.u know if they sign goat guy like derozan prob following.i see dd as a west coaster.think we end up with klay
Miami should identify the 3 best players willing to accept a vet minimum contract if James decides to sign elsewhere. There are still several to pick from who would like a chance to win a ring.
Lets goooo! LeBron for $8 million plus DeRozen at the vets min
depends on how he feels about pat.when d wade was having his jersey retired statue unveiled i dont think goat was in attendance.i hope im wrong wont be the first time i just dont see goat helping pats org.i think the people of his hometown would be little pissed he didnt end it there.enter james harden .tough call but cleve makes more sense than the heat.id say gsw is second choice to play with steph.
There is no indication whatsoever that there remains any animosity between the two. Half of his championships came under Riley. His greatest successes were here. There is no other team in the running that has a player as good as Giannis. It would be understandable if he wanted to end where he began in Cleveland. Other than that, the Heat would be the best choice.
Rich Paul is obviously lying about LeBron’s wishes. LeBron is 100% chasing a ring.
But why wait when we can sign Westbrook! #PonySeason