The Miami Heat are a team that could try to snag a top free agent during the upcoming offseason. On Thursday, it was learned that one of their current roster members, Willie Reed, chose to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent. That could clear up some room for the Heat to bring in another player to their lineup, although another Miami player may also decide to test free agency.

Reed testing his options

The news of Reed's decision to enter free agency broke via The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski on Thursday. For Miami to re-sign Reed with a salary raise, they'd have to use some cap space or their cap room exception.

As mentioned by Hoops Rumors, the Heat only have "non-Bird rights" on Reed, which limits their ability to try to give Reed a good raise.

ESPN reported less than a week ago that the expectation was Willie Reed would decline his option. That's exactly what the center did, as he declined the option that was worth $1.57 million next year.

It's been said that Reed's stock is on the rise after the past season. He averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in an average of 14-plus minutes per game. Reed made 71 appearances for the Miami Heat, coming off the bench as a key piece of their rotation.

He's been in the league just a few seasons now, as he initially started his career with the Brooklyn Nets.

Reed showed scoring potential in several games this past season, including a 100-88 win over Chicago in January where he scored 20 points, as well as 22-point games that same month against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.

Will the Heat rebuild?

While Reed leaving the Heat won't necessarily hurt the team, there is still some uncertainty over what Pat Riley might do in Miami. Considering that the team nearly made the playoffs last season, the core roster could still get it done by adding another star to the lineup. That could come via free agency or by making a major trade to bring another top player to South Beach.

In addition to that, Miami holds the No. 14 pick in this month's 2017 NBA Draft. Mock drafts have suggested the Heat could go with several big men, including Justin Jackson from North Carolina, Indiana's Og Anunoby, or Ike Anigbogu from UCLA.

With Reed opting out, another player from the Miami Heat could be doing the same this summer. Dion Waiters, who was amazing in his first season with the Heat, is part of ongoing NBA rumors to opt out of his contract. Waiters was one of the best Heat players last season, and he will most likely ask for a big contract.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED