The Miami Heat have the foundation to become a factor in the NBA’s Eastern Conference next season.
Center Hassan Whiteside, small forward Justise Winslow and point guard Goran Dragic give Pat Riley quality starters around which to build. Coach Erik Spoelstra, recently named NBCA Coach of the Year, is capable of winning with and without superstars.
With Chris Bosh’s enormous salary virtually off the books and shooting guard Dion Waiters to opt out of his contract, the Heat have about $35-40 million in cap space next season, enough to sign one maximum contract player and possibly another quality contributor.
Here are ten potential targets for Riley to pursue:
10. J.J. Redick
J.J. Redick has been in the NBA since 2006, and has been one of the most consistent scorers in the league. He’s older than the current core of the Heat, but he would be a solid complement to fill the scoring void if Waiters departs. With a three-point rate of 42.9 percent last season, he would space the floor and open things up for Whiteside around the rim. His current team, the Los Angeles Clippers, has salary cap issues and may not be able to keep Redick next season. However, Redick is likely to want to join a team capable of winning now, such as replacing Kyle Korver with the Cleveland Cavaliers should he leave via free agency.
Next: Danilo Gallinari
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