Miami Heat: How Likely Every Player is to Leave this Summer

Mar 22, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) brings the ball up the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Opt-Out of Miami?

Goran Dragic: If Pat Riley didn’t like his chances of resigning Goran Dragic long-term, there’s no way he would have traded two first round picks and Norris Cole for his services. Riley had to have some insight from the Dragic camp on the chances of him re-upping in Miami.

I fully expect the Heat to offer Dragic a near max contract and him signing to be with the Heat for the next 5+ years. The Heat haven’t had a consistent point guard since the Tim Hardaway days and the team’s offense looked better, at times, with Dragic running it.

He loves the city of Miami and the Heat organization. The Heat have already invested a lot in him. It won’t be a slamdunk, but I don’t see Dragic bolting Miami. He’ll be back.

Luol Deng: Deng opting out of his contract would likely mean the end of his Heat career, after just one season. That would mean he’d be looking for a long-term contract, for a reasonable price for his talents. This would likely price him out of Miami, as the team may not want to commit to a 30-year old small forward and save cap space for the 2016 off-season.

While it’s not hard to envision that above scenario playing out, Deng will likely look to try to help the Heat win this upcoming season, opting into his contract. Deng probably still believes he’s good enough to have one more strong season and cash in on free agency next year.

Losing Deng would create a huge hole for the Heat at the 3 position, as the Heat won’t have the necessary cap space to find his replacement. More than likely, Deng will be back and starting for the Heat in 2015/2016.

Next: The Trade Candidates