Heat players’ offseason limbo
Ira Winderman weighs what’s next.
In a season that ended without a spot in the playoffs, the Miami Heat’s roster turnover was substantial.
Norris Cole, Shawne Williams, Shannon Brown, Justin Hamilton, Danny Granger were there at the start, but not the finish. Along the way, Chris Bosh, Josh McRoberts and Shabazz Napier were lost for the season. Ultimately, there were a franchise-record 31 starting lineups and a 37-45 ledger.
In the end, the 15 players who closed the season on the Miami Heat roster were resigned to a fate of watching the entirety of the playoffs from the sideline, the first time in seven years the franchise failed the postseason.
But now, what comes next for those 15 players?
Who will be back? Who will be gone?
Staff Writer Ira Winderman looks at those 15, what happened with them this season and what might happen next, with a look at the contract status for each.
The roller coaster of injuries, ailments, blown leads and inconsistency is done careening for 2014-15.
Now it’s time for Pat Riley and his front-office staff to get to work.
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Chris Andersen
Age: Turns 37 on July 7 2015-16 salary status: Due $5 million next season on second-year of two-year contract.
What happened: About what one would expect from a player of his age. When healthy, he proved efficient as the backup center. But a variety of ailments continually raised questions about his availability.
What’s next: It could come down to how the power rotation shakes out with Hassan Whiteside, Chris Bosh, Josh McRoberts and Udonis Haslem. Yet the trade market would appear limited due to age and ailments.
Michael Beasley
Age: Turns 27 on Jan. 9 2015-16 salary status: Heat hold $1.3 million player option for next season that must be decided by end of June.
What happened: The return initially looked promising, with Beasley providing scoring and unexpected defense at a time the perimeter rotation was depleted. But by the end, it had become apparent, amid the mental lapses, why he had been unable to stay in the league.
What’s next: It would seem unlikely the Heat will be picking up his option. An eventually fourth reunion also is a long shot.
Chris Bosh
Age: Turned 31 on March 24 2015-16 salary status: Due $22.2 million next season on second-year of five-year contract.
What happened: After a solid start, one that saw him emerge as the team’s centerpiece early in the season, minor ailments and then season-ending blood clots in his lung removed Bosh from the expected role of prominence.
What’s next: A full recovery from his blood clots is expected, with intriguing pick-and-roll options awaiting should Goran Dragic return. His contract demands leading
man contributions.
Mario Chalmers
Age: Turns 29 on May 19 2015-16 salary status: Due $4.3 million next season on second-year of twoyear contract.
What happened: Initially replaced as the starting point guard by Norris Cole, Chalmers eventually settled in as a sixth-man combo guard. While he had his moments in that role, inconsistency again limited his effectiveness.
What’s next: At his price point, he still makes sense as the third guard in a three-guard rotation behind Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic. But the Heat also will be looking to upgrade on the perimeter, either in free agency or the draft.
Luol Deng
Age: Turned 30 on April 16 2015-16 salary status: Holds $10.2 million player option for next season, on final year of contract, that must be exercised by end of June, or else becomes unrestricted free agent on July 1, with Heat not holding Bird Rights.
What happened: Deng was at his best when Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts were involved and when the ball was moving on offense. By the end of the season, the role had changed to more of a spot-up shooter.
What’s next: There is the possibility Deng seeks out one final multiyear contract this offseason, rather than waiting for 2016. While he expressed hope for the Heat’s future, he never quite was utilized to his maximum potential.
Goran Dragic
Age: Turns 29 on May 6 2015-16 salary status: Holds $7.5 million player option for next season, on final year of contract, that must be exercised by end of June, or else becomes unrestricted free agent on July 1, with Heat retaining Bird Rights to sign him for up to NBA maximum.
What happened: No sooner did Dragic arrive than Chris Bosh was lost for the season. Having moved to a halfcourt pace, the Heat never quite adjusted to playing at Dragic’s speed, through no fault of Dragic.
What’s next: The expectation is Dragic returns at a contract at or near the NBA maximum, based on the two potential lottery picks the Heat dealt to the Suns at the trading deadline. The question is whether he can secure the keys to operate as the definitive ballhandler.
Zoran Dragic
Age: Turns 26 on June 22 2015-16 salary status: Due $1.7 million next season on second-year of threeyear contract.
What happened: He arrived as a plus-one in the deal with the Suns that delivered his brother, with the Heat making minimal effort to incorporate him into the mix or unlock the scoring he displayed at last summer’s World Cup.
What’s next: His brother’s free-agency will play a major role in what happens next. There also is a chance of returning to Europe as a means of getting back on the court.
James Ennis
Age: Turns 25 on July 1 2015-16 salary status: Has $845,000 partially guaranteed salary for next season, on second year of three-year contract.
What happened: Ennis emerged as a finisher at the rim and 3-point threat, breaking into a rotation that offered few quality options at reserve wing. But the ballhandling is a major concern and has to be remedied for an increased role.
What’s next: Is there a ballhandling coach in the house? Schooling definitely is in order. But the Heat haven’t had this type of youth and athleticism for a while, and likely will look to maximize the possibilities.
Udonis Haslem
Age: Turns 35 on June 9 2015-16 salary status: Due $2.9 million next season on second-year of two-year contract.
What happened: The lack of lift remains an issue, although there still were encouraging moments of efficiency on the boards. In spots, the contributions were there.
What’s next: Another player whose status hangs in the balance depending on what happens in the power rotation with Hassan Whiteside, Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts. With all three available, not many minutes figure to remain.
Tyler Johnson
Age: Turns 23 on May 7 2015-16 salary status: Has $845,000 partially guaranteed salary for next season, on second year of two-year contract.
What happened: The energy and athleticism off the bench often was of the all-or-nothing variety. But it became clear there is the potential to develop into something more. What’s next: This is the type of low-cost youth the Heat need to develop. While not a lock, a roster spot for 2015-16 certainly is within the realm.
Josh McRoberts
Age: Turns 29 on Feb. 28 2015-16 salary status: Due $5.6 million next season on second-year of four-year contract.
What happened: A December knee injury ended McRoberts’ season and the Heat’s hopes for utilizing a hybrid approach that had him as a playmaker and 3-point threat at power forward. Basically, his possibilities never were fully unlocked.
What’s next: It could come down to the Heat’s plans with Hassan Whiteside and Chris Bosh, which could have McRoberts anywhere from the starting power forward to playing as a sixth man, or even as trade bait.
Shabazz Napier
Age: Turns 24 on July 14 2015-16 salary status: Due $1.3 million next season on second-year of rookie-scale contract that can be extended through 2017-18.
What happened: While there were moments when the playmaking created optimism, the inability to provide reliable scoring or perimeter defense led to a steady decline in minutes, until season-ending hernia surgery.
What’s next: If Goran Dragic and Mario Chalmers (or another point guard) remain in the rotation, it likely sets up as another season of limited opportunity, at least until the shooting is upgraded.
Dwyane Wade
Age: Turns 34 on Jan. 17 2015-16 salary status: Holds $16 million player option for next season, on final year of contract, that must be exercised by end of June, or else becomes unrestricted free agent on July 1, with Heat retaining Bird Rights to sign him for up to NBA maximum.
What happened: While the knee issues mostly abated, there still were enough health issues to keep him out for a quarter of the schedule, raising questions of the degree the Heat can move forward with Wade as the definitive centerpiece.
What’s next: Likely a sitdown with Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra to discuss his role going forward, and whether deferring could extend his career and increase his efficiency. Eventually that discussion also will include at what price.
Henry Walker
Age: Turns 28 on Oct. 9 2015-16 salary status: Has $1.1 million partially guaranteed salary for next season, on second year of two-year contract.
What happened: The 3-point shooting made him essential upon his arrival. Then the shots stopped falling and the time in a power role began to take a toll.
What’s next: The Heat won’t be pressed for a quick decision, but Walker could be a casualty when it comes to freshening the roster.
Hassan Whiteside
Age: Turns 26 on June 13 2015-16 salary status: Has $981,000 non-guaranteed salary for next season, on final year of contract.
What happened: After emerging as a revelation in the paint, there were moments of temper, uneven play and then injuries. But the potential outweighs that all, with the promise of greater consistency and force.
What’s next: The question becomes whether the Heat gain enough confidence to extend a major offer in 2016 free agency, or whether a potential trade could be in the offing with Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts expected back.