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NBA Free Agency 2014: Miami Heat interested in Eric Bledsoe?

By Trisity Miller

Feb 8 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe (12) is pressured by Miami Heat point guard Norris Cole (30) and power forward Udonis Haslem (40) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe (12) is pressured by Miami Heat point guard Norris Cole (30) and power forward Udonis Haslem (40) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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With LeBron James gone to Cleveland, the Miami Heat have some extra cash sitting around. They’ve signed Chris Bosh to a max deal. Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem are currently working out deals. Now the front office is looking elsewhere and according to Probasketballdraft, they have their eyes set on dynamic point guard Eric Bledsoe.

While Miami is open to roster additions that can make a true impact, it’s difficult seeing South Beach as the landing spot for one of the best up-and-coming point guards in the NBA.

With the right moves Pat Riley could have his team back in the Eastern Conference finals.

With Gordon Hayward and Chandler Parsons being offered max contracts, it’s safe to say that Bledsoe and his management (who happens to be the same as LeBron’s) are going to demand the same. The figures aren’t in on Haslem and Wade’s deal, but those two could net in something close to $15 million per season. Once you factor in the Danny Granger and Josh McRoberts deals that makes it virtually impossible to offer the full max to Bledsoe.

There’s the fact that Bledsoe is a restricted free agent meaning whatever deal Miami is able to offer Bledsoe, the Phoenix Suns will have the ability to max.

To add fire to the potential flames, over the 72 hour period the Suns will have to match any offer from Miami, the Heat’s cap space will be tied up, forcing them to miss out on other players they’ll consider for signing.

Whether the two parties ever get to this stage, it’s a good sign for Heat fans to see the franchise being proactive. They don’t have LeBron James anymore, but with the right moves Pat Riley could have his team back in the Eastern Conference finals.