NBA Rumors: Miami Heat interested in Marcin Gortat

There was no doubt the 2014 offseason was going to be a pivotal one for the Miami Heat.

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Their big three of forward LeBron James, guard Dwyane Wade and big man Chris Bosh all had the opportunity to opt out of their contracts and become unrestricted free agents. According to various reports, James, Wade and Bosh have all done just that and will hit the open market when free agency officially beings Tuesday. All three players will draw plenty of interest and there appears to be a realistic possibility James could leave the Heat with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers being potential destinations.

Of course, the smart money is on the three staying with the Heat and adding a couple of pieces to put them back over the top. Toronto Raptors’ free agent’ point guard Kyle Lowry’s name has been tossed about, but the Heat will pursue several other free agents, including New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony, as well.

Zach Lowe of Grantland believes Washington Wizards’ free agent center Marcin Gortat could be a good fit for the Heat.

There is no doubt that Gortat would be an excellent fit playing with James, Wade, Bosh and whoever else they sign, but the Wizards are reportedly going to make re-signing Gortat a priority, meaning it could be difficult to lure him away from the nation’s capital.

Gortat averaged 13.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 54.2% from the field and 68.6% from the charity stripe this season.