The Miami Heat have begun to execute their master plan to make it back to the Playoffs where they belong. With all the Dwyane Wade stuff, the Heat are beginning to walk down a very slippery slope. If they somehow manage to keep the players they want, consider their offseason a success. But as we reach the free agency period, we start to see some deals getting offered, heat checking each other before the real game begins.
The Heat’s first legitimate move is to Goran Dragic, offering him a deal, 5-Years, $80 Million.
Only Miami can offer a five-year deal this summer to Dragic, who told local reporters after the season that he “had a great time” with the Heat despite missing out on the playoffs. He said on more than one occasion that “I want to come back.”
Heat president Pat Riley has likewise expressed confidence in Miami’s ability to retain him, saying at a season-ending media availability two months ago: “If he doesn’t sign, my ass will be in that seat [next to reporters] ?next year.”
A five-year maximum deal for Dragic would exceed $100 million but Miami also might find itself dealing with Dwyane Wade’s free agency one summer earlier than expected if Wade decides to bypass his $16.1 million player option for next season. The Heat also await a decision from Luol Deng about his plans to either invoke next season’s $10.2 million player option or opt for free agency.
This is what it’s all about, trying to get Wade, Deng and Dragic back. As I said it’s a very slippery slope, we don’t know where Deng is when it comes to what he wants, Dragic will most likely take this deal.
I mean he keeps saying he wouldn’t mind staying. Lucky the Heat didn’t bother to low ball him. Surely 80 Mill is enough?
