Late Wednesday night’s news that the NBA cap likely will be $99 million, about $2 million less than projected, creates a potential conundrum for the Heat, whether Miami is able to sign a max player or not.
With the Heat holding $64.4 million in 2017-18 salary cap commitments (following the impending release and cap-clearing of Chris Bosh’s contract), that leaves Miami with $34.6 million in cap space. Three small salary cap holds of $815,000 – required for each open roster spot up to 12 – account for $2.4 million of that $64.4 million; those holds eventually will be replaced by actual players.