NBA Rumors: Heat Want Salary Cap Flexibility for ‘High-Level Player’ amid Quiet FA

Amid a largely quiet offseason, the Miami Heat are about $7 million under the second salary cap apron and have options to use that money, such as adding a player with the mid-level exception.

However, the Heat have taken their time on making a decision with that money because they have a bigger picture in mind.

Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported the latest.

“But there’s a reason the Heat hasn’t quickly spent that money. According to three people who have had contact with the Heat, Miami wants to maintain flexibility with that space in case an opportunity to add a high-level player becomes available.

“There have been Heat trade discussions with teams – including one with substantial cap space – though further details are unclear. One of the sources said Miami also wants to see what good players become available in the trade market in the days and weeks ahead.

“So any holding pattern is the byproduct of preferring to leave options open to pursue something meaningful –not a reluctance to spend. Such an opportunity could take a couple days – or several weeks – to emerge.”

It’s unclear what high-level player via trade could be available at this point. If you take a look at the names often discussed in trade rumors this year, the possibilities don’t seem great or are now impossible. Dejounte Murray is now a New Orleans Pelican. Donovan Mitchell signed an extension to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mikal Bridges is a New York Knick.

Lauri Markkanen has been the subject of trade rumors, but other teams outside the Heat have been seen as serious suitors, and it’s unclear if Utah would part with him anyway.

Ultimately, the Heat probably won’t land a big name by keeping that money free, although it makes sense to at least keep that option open. Other Eastern Conference contenders have made big moves this year, with the Philadelphia 76ers adding Paul George and the aforementioned Knicks acquiring Bridges. So the hope of adding a “high-level” player is logical, even if it seems unlikely.