With a $38 million cap space in hand and a little bit creativity, Pat Riley is capable of shaking the foundation of the league one more time by creating a new Super Team in South Beach. Gordon Hayward is undoubtedly the prized free agent of this class, but Riley can create rooms for another top-tier free agent if he’s bold enough to bargain Miami Heat's future and depth this offseason.
Point of Contention
Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel discussed on his mailbag about the possibility of forming a super team in Miami. The Heat, after resolving their contractual issues with Chris Bosh, is expected to have a buying power of around $38 to $40 million, enough for them to sign Hayward straight-up.
However, the Heat’s starting lineup could become even more formidable if Riley finds a way to move Tyler Johnson, Josh McRoberts and Justise Winslow without taking contracts in return. The Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets have the cap space to absorb these contracts but these teams will surely ask for additional draft picks to sweeten the deal. Then again, the move would free up an additional $23 million, putting them in the hunt for other top free agents such as Paul Millsap, Serge Ibaka and Danillo Gallinari.
Potential Roadblock
Should the Heat pursue their super-team aspirations, Winderman thinks the best case scenario for the team’s starting lineup is to have Goran Dragic at the point, Josh Richardson or the no.14 pick at shooting guard, Hayward at small forward, Millsap or Ibaka at the power forward and Hassan Whiteside at center.
That’s a top-heavy starting lineup that could easily match the firepower of Cleveland Cavaliers’ first five.
The problem is the Heat basically compromises their productive bench from last season and their future (by trading Winslow and Johnson) for a chance to win now. In the Super-Team scenario, there’s almost zero possibility the Heat will retain the services of James Johnson, Dion Waiters, Willie Reed and Wayne Ellington unless they agree to sign mid-level or veteran minimum exceptions.
“Yes, I could see the Heat and Pat Riley moving for a top-tier free agent. That's who they are and who he is. But to double down would mean no Waiters, no Reed, no Johnson and with your example, no Tyler Johnson or Winslow,” according to Winderman.
Author’s Take
Like what Winderman stressed, Riley isn’t afraid to put all eggs in one basket.
He’s always all in when the opportunity comes. The prospect of forming a loaded starting lineup is certainly intriguing. It’s been a while since Miami really contend for the title, and Riley might just pull it off. Then again, watching Waiters and Johnson go after putting up terrific seasons is a sad scenario, though it’s the nature of the business.
Miami, a traditional destination for free agents, won’t have any problem adding complementary pieces moving forward once they have the super team in place. Riley can easily put up a productive bench – though not as deep as last season’s bench mob - by convincing championship-hungry veterans to take considerable pay-cuts in exchange for a shot at a title. It’s that simple. Everybody wants a piece of the pie.
