The Heat have never denied their desire to get Utah Jazz star small forward Gordon Hayward when he hits the market this free-agency season. However, with their cap flexibility compromised by Chris Bosh's humongous deal, Pat Riley may have no option but to look for the second best thing available.
Riley discussed the Heat's current situation heading into the free-agency season during his exit press conference two weeks ago. The championship-winning coach and general manager straightforwardly discussed two particular things: the Heat's cap flexibility and their free-agent targets.
Even though the Heat are projected to have a cap space worth $32MM, landing a marquee free-agent this summer would be difficult, especially if they still have interest in retaining players who outperformed their contracts last season.
Riley stressed that he really likes the current make-up of his team. He also lauded the effort of James Johnson and Dion Waiters for putting up strong numbers on a bargain deal. Now, the Heat GM has to decide if he wants to spend a bulk of that cap space for these two players or go for a whale in the free-agent market.
According to sources, Riley has been gunning for Hayward all this time. Hayward, who is having a career year in Utah after averaging 21,9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest, is expected to hit the free-agency waters this summer.
Riley wants to bring Hayward onboard, but signing a max-level free-agent and retaining Waiters and Johnson would not be possible unless someone volunteered to have a pay-cut. Another option for Riley is to finally resolve the contract situation with Chris Bosh. The All-Star forward is scheduled to earn more than $50M over the next two seasons, and the Heat will benefit a lot if they can a secure buyout with him.
Bosh reiterated during an interview with Larry King Now that he still wants to resume his NBA career despite missing the entire 2016-17 season due to blood clot complications.
