Do Miami Heat look to Rockets if granted Disabled Player Exception?

What Do Miami Heat Do About Meyers Leonard Injury: Disabled Player Exception

Fortunately for Miami, there are mechanisms available to them that were created for these very circumstances. The one that we think applies here is the Disabled Players Exception.

Here is what that should mean for them. This comes from NBA Writer and CBA guru, Larry Coon.

"DISABLED PLAYER EXCEPTION — This exception allows a team which is over the cap to replace a disabled player who will be out for the remainder of that season (it can also be granted in the event of a player’s death). This exception is granted by the league, based on an application from the team and a determination by an NBA-designated physician or Fitness to Play panel (see question number 62) that the player is substantially more likely than not to be unable to play through the following June 15. If this exception is granted, the team can acquire one player via free agent signing, trade or waiver claim, to replace the disabled player: The team may sign a free agent for one season only, for 50% of the disabled player’s salary or the amount of the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level exception, whichever is less. The team may trade for a player in the last season of his contract only (including any option years)2, who is making no more than 50% plus $100,000 of the disabled player’s salary, or the amount of the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level exception plus $100,000, whichever is less. The team may claim a player on waivers who is in the last season of his contract only (including any option years), who is making no more than 50% of the disabled player’s salary, or the amount of the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level exception, whichever is less."

Based on Coon’s explanations, the Miami Heat have a few options before them. Which route will they go?

More importantly, will they bark up an old tree, if you know what we mean? Will they take another peep at a deal with the Houston Rockets?