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Miami Heat 48-34
*Photo via USA Today
The Heat just ran out of gas towards the end of their playoff run, losing in seven games to the Toronto Raptors. The Heat were fighting an uphill battle, as no one really was able to score other than Dwyane Wade, who showed flashes of the player he used to be. The Heat were also without their defensive anchor Hassan Whiteside for the final three games , and they were without Chris Bosh for the entire postseason and a large chunk of the regular season.
Free agents Tyler Johnson (RFA) Luol Deng (UFA) Gerald Green (UFA) Udonis Haslem (UFA) Joe Johnson (UFA) Amar'e Stoudemire (UFA) Dwyane Wade (UFA) Hassan Whiteside (UFA) Dorell Wright (UFA)
Who Stays, Who Leaves
*Photo via Phatdunk.com
Wade and Haslem will be back, they have been there for over a decade and there is no reason they shouldn’t return. Wade could command more money than the Heat want to give him, but they cannot turn away the face of the franchise. Pat Riley has already stated that Whiteside is his number one priority, so he should return as well. The Heat would also like to bring back Luol Deng and Joe Johnson, whether they can bring back all of them depends on how free agency plays out. But, certainly the rest of the role players will hit the open market.
Needs
*Photo via SLAMonline
The Heat need another player other than Wade, who can go and get them a bucket when needed. Wade can no longer be the first option for 82 games and the playoffs. With Chris Bosh’s health a big concern going forward, the Heat need someone else to be a consistent scoring option.
Possible Moves
*Photo via Getty Images
Kevin Durant- The Heat are one of six lucky teams to secure a face to face with the former MVP. Pat Riley will make his pitch and hope Durant will be the next superstar to jump ship from his former team and come to South Beach
LeBron James- Highly unlikely LeBron would come back to South Beach, but hey you never know. He has a history here and he and Wade are like brothers.
Dwight Howard- if Whiteside leaves, they will look to fill his position with Howard
Al Horford - Horford could be another choice if Whiteside leaves.