Miami Heat have decisions to make about upcoming free agents

Managing The Cap

It’s going to be virtually impossible for the Heat to bring back all four players mentioned. With the potential of huge offers on their way, determining who they value the most, and what they’re prepared to pay, are likely to decide who remains in Miami.

Age, upside, experience, locker-room presence and the actual cost of retaining the player are just some of the factors that will be taken into account when the Heat formulate their choices. Furthermore, there are the other players available on the open market to consider when deciding on the best plan of attack for 2017-18 and beyond.

In terms of the players covered, my predictions on whom they compare with closest from the above lists, and what they could expect to sign for, are as follows:

• James Johnson – In between Jared Dudley and Evan Turner: Four-years, $50 million
• Willie Reed – Boban Marjanovic: Three-years, $21 million
• Dion Waiters – Allen Crabbe: Four-years, $75 million

Of course there are still 11 regular season games, and a possible playoff run remaining. And the value of these players could rise or fall depending on their performances.

Next: 6 potential draft targets to watch in the Sweet 16

Either way, the Heat front office will be fully aware that they have big decisions got make this coming offseason.