Miami Heat Reportedly Considering Releasing Player For Flexibility

The Miami Heat continue to value financial flexibility above overspending to increase their chances of competing for a championship. They're projected to generate over $80 million in cap space next summer and are looking to make a big splash. The franchise remains under the first apron but nearly $1.4 million above the luxury tax. The Heat wish to get under that as well and would need to cut salary from the roster.

It's been reported the Heat are considering waiving forward Simone Fontecchio to accomplish this financial goal. He was acquired as part of the Duncan Robinson sign-and-trade to the Detroit Pistons. The Italian native enters his fourth year in the league if he remains on the roster.

Fontecchio averaged 5.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, shot 40.2 percent from the field, and 33.5 percent from three-point range in 75 games with the Pistons last season. He would make a strong impact on the Heat offensively, but is set to make $8.3 million next year. The undrafted veteran is currently under trade restriction until Sep 9th, so the front office can't simply ship him away to cut salary.