The Miami Heat have two open roster spots to fill before the playoffs begin.
After a series of deals at the trade deadline, the Miami Heat maneuvered to get under the luxury tax but at the cost of going through its post All-Star break schedule with just 13 players on the roster. They ducked the tax, but the Heat will be able to add a pair of players before the playoffs.
According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, the Heat are mulling their options:
"The Heat plans to fill its two open roster spots between April 9 and 13, once it’s assured of not passing the tax threshold. The Heat has been strongly looking at one signing one established player and one developmental project, though the thought of signing two developmental players hasn’t been ruled out."
They could opt to sign a couple of players who have already spent time with the Heat in the past.
"We’re told Miami has been giving legitimate thought to ex-Heat forward Dorell Wright, back from playing in China, but he’s one of several on Miami’s list. The Heat also is considering D-League point guard Briante Weber but has not given him a commitment."
So why can the Heat now sign players without going over the tax? NBA cap expert Ahmad Nahmad:
"If the Heat were to choose to sign only one player, it could do so the full eight days prior to the end of the regular season, on April 6th or thereafter. With two players, the Heat would be able to employ any combination of eight days of salary – whether that be the first signing with seven days left in the regular season and the second signing on the very last day, each signing with four days left in the regular season, or any other combination that totals to no more than eight days."
So who should the Heat sign to fill out its playoff roster? Let’s take a look at some options:
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