I've noticed we got alot of articles here so post all articles here, what do you think of that idea devestata? give me feedback since your the moderator. Oh, can you make this a sticky?
Even after drafting small forward Caron Butler, coach Pat Riley indicated Friday the Heat will seek swingmen and perimeter-oriented players when free agent negotiations begin Monday.
Riley said he expects to use at least a portion of the Heat's $4.6 million salary-cap exception but will not offer it at the outset of free agency or when signings can begin July 17.
''We have the whole summer to do this stuff,'' Riley said. ``We've learned a lot of players wait until September, and we've found players late.''
Riley also said the Heat might give deadlines to free agents so Miami doesn't lose a chance to pursue other players.
Because the Heat wants to have cap space in 2003, Riley said he probably will not offer a longterm contract starting at close to the exception.
Most teams are near or above the projected $53 million luxury-tax threshold. The Heat has $49.9 million committed to the five players with fully guaranteed contracts and must pay Butler $1.67 million in the first year of a three-year deal, with a team option for a fourth and right-to-match for a fifth.
Heat owner Micky Arison, originally reluctant to pay any luxury tax, now appears willing to pay a small one.
Much of the $4.6 million exception could be enough to sign a small forward such as the Lakers' Devean George, Boston's Rodney Rogers or Utah's Bryon Russell or Donyell Marshall.
''Devean George is going to be one of the most sought-after free agents,'' Riley said. ``He's athletic, has great length. We need across-the-board protection for all perimeter positions. I want to try to get speed, quickness, skilled shooters. At small forward, we need backups or starters.''
Miami's other option would be re-signing Jim Jackson to share time with Butler at small forward.
''If you have two players like that, you would be covered, especially if Caron develops quickly,'' Riley said.
Riley said he wants to speak to free agent swingman Kendall Gill, but his return in a prominent role seems unlikely.
Other potentially cheap unrestricted free agent small forwards include Walt Williams, Monty Williams, Calbert Cheaney, John Wallace and Tyrone Nesby.
Riley said it's doubtful Miami will bid for any restricted free agents such as Portland's Bonzi Wells ''because teams probably would match'' offers.
Riley is optimistic about keeping point guard Rod Strickland, who wants to return. Facing a limited market, Strickland might have no choice but to accept the $1.1 million minimum. If Strickland surprisingly leaves, Miami's top free agent options would be Jeff McInnis, Travis Best and Chauncey Billups.
Also available are Larry Hughes, Chris Childs, Troy Hudson, Jacque Vaughn, Erick Strickland, Dana Barros, Mookie Blaylock, Brian Shaw, Greg Anthony, Terry Porter and John Crotty.
The Heat is at some risk of losing restricted free agent guard Eddie House. Miami made a $737,000 qualifying offer, allowing the Heat the right to match any offer. Miami likely would let House leave if a team surprisingly offers most of its exception.
Riley said he feels no need to add another power-rotation player, beyond re-signing Vladimir Stepania. ''We have enough protection up front, with Alonzo Mourning, Brian Grant, Malik Allen, Sean Marks, LaPhonso Ellis,'' Riley said.
If Stepania leaves, other unrestricted free agent power players include Charles Oakley, Jerome James, Scott Williams, Felton Spencer, Mark Blount, Dean Garrett, Kevin Willis and Greg Foster.
Top free agents Mike Bibby (Sacramento), Rashard Lewis (Seattle) and Raef LaFrentz (Dallas) expect to stay put.
Please repost in the new editorial forum. Put it in the HEAT folder. Thanks truebluefan
Even after drafting small forward Caron Butler, coach Pat Riley indicated Friday the Heat will seek swingmen and perimeter-oriented players when free agent negotiations begin Monday.
Riley said he expects to use at least a portion of the Heat's $4.6 million salary-cap exception but will not offer it at the outset of free agency or when signings can begin July 17.
''We have the whole summer to do this stuff,'' Riley said. ``We've learned a lot of players wait until September, and we've found players late.''
Riley also said the Heat might give deadlines to free agents so Miami doesn't lose a chance to pursue other players.
Because the Heat wants to have cap space in 2003, Riley said he probably will not offer a longterm contract starting at close to the exception.
Most teams are near or above the projected $53 million luxury-tax threshold. The Heat has $49.9 million committed to the five players with fully guaranteed contracts and must pay Butler $1.67 million in the first year of a three-year deal, with a team option for a fourth and right-to-match for a fifth.
Heat owner Micky Arison, originally reluctant to pay any luxury tax, now appears willing to pay a small one.
Much of the $4.6 million exception could be enough to sign a small forward such as the Lakers' Devean George, Boston's Rodney Rogers or Utah's Bryon Russell or Donyell Marshall.
''Devean George is going to be one of the most sought-after free agents,'' Riley said. ``He's athletic, has great length. We need across-the-board protection for all perimeter positions. I want to try to get speed, quickness, skilled shooters. At small forward, we need backups or starters.''
Miami's other option would be re-signing Jim Jackson to share time with Butler at small forward.
''If you have two players like that, you would be covered, especially if Caron develops quickly,'' Riley said.
Riley said he wants to speak to free agent swingman Kendall Gill, but his return in a prominent role seems unlikely.
Other potentially cheap unrestricted free agent small forwards include Walt Williams, Monty Williams, Calbert Cheaney, John Wallace and Tyrone Nesby.
Riley said it's doubtful Miami will bid for any restricted free agents such as Portland's Bonzi Wells ''because teams probably would match'' offers.
Riley is optimistic about keeping point guard Rod Strickland, who wants to return. Facing a limited market, Strickland might have no choice but to accept the $1.1 million minimum. If Strickland surprisingly leaves, Miami's top free agent options would be Jeff McInnis, Travis Best and Chauncey Billups.
Also available are Larry Hughes, Chris Childs, Troy Hudson, Jacque Vaughn, Erick Strickland, Dana Barros, Mookie Blaylock, Brian Shaw, Greg Anthony, Terry Porter and John Crotty.
The Heat is at some risk of losing restricted free agent guard Eddie House. Miami made a $737,000 qualifying offer, allowing the Heat the right to match any offer. Miami likely would let House leave if a team surprisingly offers most of its exception.
Riley said he feels no need to add another power-rotation player, beyond re-signing Vladimir Stepania. ''We have enough protection up front, with Alonzo Mourning, Brian Grant, Malik Allen, Sean Marks, LaPhonso Ellis,'' Riley said.
If Stepania leaves, other unrestricted free agent power players include Charles Oakley, Jerome James, Scott Williams, Felton Spencer, Mark Blount, Dean Garrett, Kevin Willis and Greg Foster.
Top free agents Mike Bibby (Sacramento), Rashard Lewis (Seattle) and Raef LaFrentz (Dallas) expect to stay put.
Please repost in the new editorial forum. Put it in the HEAT folder. Thanks truebluefan
