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Miami Heat rumors: Heat maintaining cap flexibility for 2016 free agency

By Andrew Melnick

Jan 29, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts in front of Miami Heat power forward Chris Andersen (11) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts in front of Miami Heat power forward Chris Andersen (11) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Heat made several big moves this offseason but didn’t tie themselves up with many long-term contracts.

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Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel believe the Heat are maintaining cap flexibility for free agency in 2016.

"The reality is that so much of this team is a rental team, players other than Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts, including the two you mentioned, and many more, on contracts that allow them to opt out after the coming season. The Heat clearly have placed a priority on being a player in 2016 free agency, when the salary cap is expected to rise exponentially. So yes, there is a chance that any player (perhaps other than Wade) who has a breakout season and an opt-out could bolt next summer. I still believe the Heat would keep their focus on 2016 free agency. Then again, this is what makes sports these days so confounding, that on the eve of the 2014-15 season, some already are wondering about the 2015 offseason and beyond. For now, it should be about savoring the moment. Whatever it may bring."

There are plenty of key free agents that could be available.

The 2013-2014 MVP, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant is the biggest prize, but there are several other key free agents including Brooklyn Nets’ point guard Deron Williams, Charlotte Hornets’ guard Lance Stephenson, Portland Trail Blazers’ swingman Nicolas Batum, Atlanta Hawks’ big man Al Horford, Chicago Bulls’ center Joakim Noah, Memphis Grizzlies’ point guard Mike Conley, Nets’ guard Joe Johnson, Dallas Mavericks’ forward Chandler Parsons (player option), Golden State Warriors’ power forward David Lee, New Orleans Pelicans’ power forward Ryan Anderson and Houston Rockets’ center Dwight Howard (player option).

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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