After an improbable run to the NBA Finals, the Heat face an offseason filled with important financial decisions, writes Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.
Miami has just seven players with guaranteed salaries for next season, but Victor Oladipo is almost certain to pick up his $9.5M option after suffering a knee injury in the playoffs and the team is expected to exercise its $1.9M option on Haywood Highsmith.
With an estimated cap hit of about $3M for the No. 18 pick, the Heat will have roughly $176M committed, putting them well over the projected $162M luxury tax line and in sight of the new $179.5M second apron.
Kevin Love, Max Strus, Gabe Vincent and Cody Zeller are all headed to unrestricted free agency, while Omer Yurtseven will be restricted if Miami makes a $2.26M qualifying offer. In addition, Miami has already been linked to potential trades involving Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal.
“The goal is to win a championship, and this organization will do anything possible for that to happen,” Bam Adebayo said at Wednesday’s exit interviews. “I feel like everybody in here knows it’s a business. And that’s why you cherish the moments you go through with your teammates, with your brothers because you never know what can happen next year.”
There’s more from Miami:
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!