The NBA Finals are underway, but the Miami Heat are focused on the offseason. The draft is just over two weeks away and the Heat are also preparing the start of free agency on July 1. There's plenty of buzz around the Heat, especially in regards to what they'll do in free agency. Here are all the latest Heat rumors and news you need to know.
LeBron's Return To Miami?
LeBron James left Miami to return to Cleveland two years ago, but the Cavs have been unable to win a title since James' return. With the Cavs struggling in the NBA Finals this year, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith thinks James could return to Miami.
“I'm going to go here, Skip, because it is necessary," Smith said on First Take, per SportsGrid.com. "I'm on the record saying to you I have heard if the Cavaliers were to win the Championship, LeBron will have fulfilled his promise and he can leave. But if he loses, he has to stay. Obviously, it would disastrous and catastrophic and he would be a pariah. But it wouldn't surprise me, based on what I saw last night, if this continues in these NBA Finals, Skip, it wouldn't surprise me if LeBron said 'Get me the hell out of here. I ain't staying for this. Let me go back to Miami or go to LA, something other than be here.'"
James leaving for Miami again seems like a long shot, as does Kevin Durant taking his talents to South Beach. While it makes for good TV, it seems highly unlikely that James will leave Cleveland.
Chris Bosh's Status Will Impact What Heat Do In Free Agency
The Miami Heat are still unsure if and when forward Chris Bosh will return from the blood clots that have ended his last two seasons. That's not ideal for the Heat, as the Palm Beach Post reports Bosh's status will affect what the Heat do in free agency. No Bosh means the Heat have even less of a chance with Kevin Durant, but a healthy Bosh and Hassan Whiteside means the Heat won't pursue Al Horford. There's also the issue of money, as Bosh is set to make $23.7 million next season. With Bosh's future up in the air, it's going to be tough for the Heat to develop a game plan for free agency.
Briante Weber Not Making Roster?
Heat President Pat Riley is on the record as saying he's excited about watching former VCU guard Briante Weber play for the Heat's summer league team. However, The Miami Herald reports he's unlikely to make the roster. Weber is a strong defender, but sources told Herald that Weber is limited on offense and couldn't remember plays.