The Miami Heat got off to a slow start this year, and currently sit seventh in a cluttered Eastern Conference. They made the move to bring in Goran Dragic at the trade deadline, but the loss of Chris Bosh for the remainder of the season ended any real hope for a deep postseason run.
That said, the Heat don't believe they're that far away from being a contender in the Eastern Conference when they're healthy, and they're looking to add a big free agent or two that can catapult them into that realm. Here are the players they will be pursuing this offseason:
Goran Dragic, PG, Miami Heat
The top priority for the Heat is making sure they find a way to keep Dragic in Miami. He's already given the team a huge boost in his first few games, and they want to make sure they didn't make that trade for nothing.
Dragic has said he's also interested in joining the Lakers or Knicks once he becomes a free agent, but the Heat were one of his top choices as well. Miami can offer him more money than anyone else in free agency, and they might have to overpay to keep him in South Beach - something Pat Riley & Co. wouldn't necessarily mind doing.
Wilson Chandler, SF, Denver Nuggets
Denver was pushing hard but failed to find a trade partner for Chandler at the trade deadline, and they probably won't pick up his team option for next season as they try to rebuild their team. He can play either forward position effectively and would provide some depth behind the aging Luol Deng.
His long-range shooting ability (nearly two made threes a game) would open up driving lanes for Wade and Dragic, though he is still effective on the boards (5.9 rpg). He has the kind of versatility head coach Erik Spolestra loves, and he wouldn't break the bank.
Robin Lopez, C, Portland Trail Blazers
Hassan Whiteside has emerged as a defensive presence and shot blocker for the Heat, but he struggles with foul trouble and plays just over 20 minutes per game on average. Lopez would give them another true seven-footer that's a hard-nosed defender and doesn’t expect any plays to be called for him on the offensive end. Finding depth for their big man rotation will be key for the Heat this offseason, and Lopez is someone they would be able to rely on.
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