2017 Miami Heat

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, David Kay and Peter Christian of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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Miami Heat (Last Year: 41-41)

2017-18 Projected Depth Chart:

C: Hassan Whiteside

PF: Josh McRoberts/Okaro White

SF: Justise Winslow

SG: *Dion Waiters/Rodney McGruder/Josh Richardson/Tyler Johnson/Wayne Ellington

PG: Goran Dragic

NBA Free Agents:

*SG-Dion Waiters (PO)

PF-James Johnson (UFA)

PF-Udonis Haslem (UFA)

PF-Willie Reed (UFA)

SF-Luke Babbit (UFA)

2017-18 Team Salary: Approximately $89.1 million

NBA Offseason Team Needs:

1. Chris Bosh’s Future: The Chris Bosh situation is a sticky one. Since he didn’t play a single game last season, the Heat could get his salary removed from their cap, which would clear up about $52 million over the next two years. However, if Bosh’s salary is removed and he becomes a free agent, he could sign with another team if he is medically cleared and the salary would be added back to their cap. The salary would not be added back on for this upcoming season, but could screw Miami’s cap situation moving forward. Decisions, decisions….

2. Power Forward: While James Johnson was a pleasant surprise for the Heat, he is a free agent, and the Bosh situation leaves Miami needing a power forward. Johnson will be due to a significant pay day, and if the Heat think that is overpriced, they will need to look elsewhere for a starting power forward.

3. Wing Situation: Miami has about 87 shooting guards on its roster for next season, and that does not include free agent Dion Waiters. Waiters played well enough to be in line for a nice contract this summer, and Justise Winslow returns from a season-ending injury, leaving the Heat crowded with good depth, but only average talent on the wing.