Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Who the Heat could lose.
The Miami Heat have five impending free agents as the NBA’s negotiating period opens Saturday, as well as another freeagency-related decision.
Dion Waiters
At issue: Waiters will receive a significant boost from the $2.9 million he earned last season. With the Heat loaded in their backcourt, it will be interesting to see how high the Heat will bid, with the roster already including Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, Rodney McGruder, Justise Winslow and possibly Wayne Ellington.
James Johnson
At issue: Johnson earned $4 million last season, putting together a breakout season that opened the windows into his versatility on both ends of the court. His value might be higher to the Heat than potential suitors.
Willie Reed
At issue: Reed earned $1 million last season, provided the canvas to show his value as a backup center. The Heat’s selection of Bam Adebayo with the No. 14 pick in the NBA draft likely means a parting in free agency.
Luke Babbitt
At issue: Babbitt, who earned $1.2 million this past season, started at power forward amid the Heat’s 30-11 second-half revival. With a $1.5 million qualifying offer, the Heat can exceed the salary cap to re-sign him. But that $1.5 million would count against the cap at the start of free agency.
Udonis Haslem
At issue: Haslem’s annual return to free agency this time likely will produce an offer at no more than the $2 million veteran minimum, after earning $4 million this past season. The prime question would be about committing to a roster spot more than the salary, which would not be a cap detriment.
Wayne Ellington
At issue: Ellington, who earned $6 million this past season, has a unique contract that gives the Heat until July 7 to commit to his $6.3 million salary. Should the Heat opt to utilize that salary-cap space elsewhere, Ellington must be waived by that deadline.