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With free agency, Heat thinking '03Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports: Heat coach Pat Riley enters Monday's start of the NBA free-agency period with a little pocket change, courtesy of a compromise by owner Micky Arison regarding the luxury tax. Next summer is when Riley plans to enter the process with some full-fledged spending money. "That's still our mantra," Riley said. "That's what you push for, to get to a point where you have flexibility." That means this summer, the top of the free-agent class, the likes of Mike Bibby, Michael Olowokandi and Rashard Lewis, likely will remain beyond the Heat's grasp. Instead, names such as Devean George, Travis Best and Keon Clark could hold the most intrigue. But unlike last year, when the looming luxury tax rendered the Heat practically impotent during free agency, Riley's team again will be a player this summer, with no preset spending limit from Arison. "It's an absolutely huge advantage if you're not encumbered," Riley said of the payroll strata that could require a significant penalty payment to the league. "How far we go over? I have no idea. I still have to be able to prove it's worthwhile to my boss." Miami, like all teams over the cap will have a $3.6-4.8 mid-level exception. They also have a 1.4 million exception and $3.36 million traded-player exception until August 23rd from the Hardaway deal. All in all, look for Miami to make moves this summer but also save some caproom for the summer of 2003. Via South Florida Sun-Sentinel Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Riley on tradesBarry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports: Riley said no trade offers are on the table. Asked about Alonzo Mourning, Brian Grant and Eddie Jones, Riley said, ``I would probably say all three will be back. [Drafting Caron Butler] probably makes that more likely.'' • On draft night, Milwaukee offered small forward Glenn Robinson, who has three years left on an $80 million contract, in exchange for the 10th pick, Chris Gatling, who was released Thursday, LaPhonso Ellis and Anthony Carter. But Miami prefered Butler. If Butler hadn't been available, the Heat leaned toward drafting Jared Jeffries. According to a general manager, the NBA unintentionally helped the Heat by refusing to allow the Clippers to change the No. 8 pick from Chris Wilcox to Butler before commissioner David Stern announced it. Butler would have been sent to Cleveland in a package for Andre Miller. • Riley said the Heat will exercise its partially guaranteed option on center Sean Marks and wants him to report in September following commitments to New Zealand's national team. • Riley also said that he would not rule out re-signing the recently waived Chris Gatling. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Riley: Heat still seeks swingmen, perimeter playersBarry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports: Even after drafting small forward Caron Butler, coach Pat Riley indicated Friday the Heat will seek swingmen and perimeter-oriented players when free agent negotiations begin Monday. Riley said he expects to use at least a portion of the Heat's $4.6 million salary-cap exception but will not offer it at the outset of free agency or when signings can begin July 17. ''We have the whole summer to do this stuff,'' Riley said. ``We've learned a lot of players wait until September, and we've found players late.'' Riley also said the Heat might give deadlines to free agents so Miami doesn't lose a chance to pursue other players. Because the Heat wants to have cap space in 2003, Riley said he probably will not offer a longterm contract starting at close to the exception. Most teams are near or above the projected $53 million luxury-tax threshold. The Heat has $49.9 million committed to the five players with fully guaranteed contracts and must pay Butler $1.67 million in the first year of a three-year deal, with a team option for a fourth and right-to-match for a fifth. Heat owner Micky Arison, originally reluctant to pay any luxury tax, now appears willing to pay a small one. Much of the $4.6 million exception could be enough to sign a small forward such as the Lakers' Devean George, Boston's Rodney Rogers or Utah's Bryon Russell or Donyell Marshall. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Heat Jun 2002 Archive
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