The Miami Heat were just bounced from the NBA Playoffs by the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Now, the clock is ticking for Miami, as they will look to come back even stronger next season by taking full advantage of what free agency has to offer. They will have somewhere close to $50 million in cap space to work all the magic they can in order to boost the roster and come back next year to compete for a championship.
Right now, the only players not entering free agency for the Heat are Chris Bosh, Goran Dragic, Josh McRoberts, Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow,
It’s no secret that the top free agent this offseason will be Kevin Durant. He is the highly coveted number one option for teams looking for a franchise-catapulting boost, so that is where we’ll begin our list of the top five free agents Miami may look to target after the 2015-16 season ends.
1. Kevin Durant
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Durant is the biggest free agent since LeBron James in 2010. He is currently in the prime of his stellar career and is still easily a top-three player in this league. With averages of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in 2015-16, his offensive numbers are staggering and his game is such that he would immediately fit in any system, anywhere in the league.
Though Oklahoma City can offer him more money, Miami has long been considered one of the most likely destinations for Durant and the team will go all in in order to acquire him. If the Heat do indeed land the former MVP, they must find a way to work the numbers properly so that they can bring back Dwyane Wade and Hassan Whiteside. By signing Durant, the Heat would immediately become a number one contender to challenge James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East.
Next: LeBron James
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2. LeBron James
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What would it take for James to make his return to South Beach? It would likely require much more than the Heat can offer. While James currently has a player option for next season and can sign with any team he wishes, the chances seem slim-to-none that he will leave Cleveland again. However, if he goes without a championship again this year, he may be pushed to his limit, just as he was in 2010, and look elsewhere for success. Though James left the Heat high-and-dry a couple years back, they would surely welcome the “King” back with open arms if given the chance.
Next: Al Horford
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3. Al Horford
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Horford is an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s a consistent big man who can shoot the ball and he’s only 29 years old. If Miami fails to sign Whiteside, Horford could become the next target to fill in the spot at the center position. While not entirely dominant in any facet of his game, Horford still maintains a highly sought-after set of skills that would make him a valuable asset to any team that signs him.
It’s tough to say whether Heat fans would prefer Horford or Whiteside when push comes to shove. While Whiteside is more of a defensive stalwart, Horford has a more polished offensive game. He averaged 15.2 points and 7.3 rebonds per game this season. He is a proven veteran who has found success each year he has played for the Atlanta Hawks, while Whiteside is a fan favorite with limitless potential upside. Pat Riley and company will not overlook the prospect of Horford come summertime.
Next: Mike Conley
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4. Mike Conley
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Though Dragic is still the team’s point guard now and moving forward, the Heat would still find it advantageous to look into the highly underrated Conley as he becomes a free agent in July. Conley has been touted as a top-tier point guard that would’ve, could’ve and should’ve been an All-Star if the West weren’t so stacked with talent at the point guard position.
Conley has excellent handles, a high basketball-IQ and is a true point guard with playmaking abilities. He’s also only 28 years old. Conley may be looking to move teams after his Memphis Grizzlies have failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs for the past several years. Signing Conley could provide the perfect opportunity for Miami to clean up their guard play and attain a valuable player with a complete all-around game.
Next: DeMar DeRozan
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5. DeMar DeRozan
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The man that just helped his team knock off the Heat in the playoffs becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season. DeRozan is a highly skilled scorer with good length and athleticism, who knocks down clutch shots. He’s capable of putting up 35 on any given night. Miami is desperate for a scorer they can consistently rely on, particularly come playoff time.
Though DeRozan is more likely to re-sign with the Raptors or take his talents to sunny Los Angeles, he may still be interested in listening to what the Heat have to offer come July. DeRozan can play the two or three position and can provide a valuable uptick in pace that the Heat lack desperately. If signed, he would instantly become a starter on the Heat who lack consistency at the small forward position.
Only time will tell how the free agency frenzy will play out. The landscape of the NBA will likely look vastly different in 2016-17 and the Heat hope to be one of those teams with fresh faces on their squad. Naturally, Durant is the top option and Riley, as well as the rest of the front office will do everything in their power to provide him with the best deal possible. Though, even if they can’t lock down Durant, there are still many intriguing options out there that could help Miami get the boost they need to once again reach the NBA Finals.
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