MIAMI _ The Miami Heat reset this season's table at the Feb. 6 NBA trading deadline, while also keeping their 2021 offseason table clear about for a major _ Giannis Antetokounmpo-level? _ free-agent signing.
But it is the interim approach that could be most compelling, when it comes to how the Heat handle this coming offseason, with ample in-house decisions to make with their own free agents, decisions made more complex, in an encouraging way, by the play of deadline acquisition Jae Crowder.
Keep in mind, as mentioned in this space last week, that the $27 million in cap space created for this summer (which could rise to $40 million if Kelly Olynyk opts out) will not come into play if the Heat instead elect to re-sign their own free agents.
Because of Bird Rights, the Heat would be able to spend above the cap to keep the likes of Crowder, Goran Dragic, Derrick Jones Jr. and Meyers Leonard. In that respect, there would be more than the $27 million (or $40 million) available for Micky Arison, Nick Arison, Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg to dole out.
That, of course, likely is contingent on the Heat's impending free agents being amenable to the overall goal of retaining 2021 salary-cap flexibility, or the alternative of putting all the available cap space in front of an external option such as Anthony Davis.
So who should be prioritized if the Heat keep the cash in house? Here's one subjective order:
1. Derrick Jones Jr.: This is going to be the most interesting of the Heat's negotiations, considering Jones' age (with Saturday his 23rd birthday) and likely desire for a long-term contract.
While there could be enough Heat 2021 cap space for a top-tier free agent and another contract to be added to that mix, it would take a precise threading of that needle.
At the moment, with Jones setting up as, at best, an eighth man or so in the Heat rotation, it would be interesting to see if the Heat would be willing to go beyond mid-level type money.
Another option is a one-year contract of significant heft.
The important factor there _ and this goes for the players listed below, as well _ is that if any of the Heat's incumbent free agents take a one-year deal, they would have the right to veto any trade in 2020-21, effectively locking in a roster spot in Miami for the entire season.
As this point in his career, considering his injury past, that likely would be trumped for Jones by long-term security, even with his stated preference to remain.
2. Goran Dragic: The irony is that Dragic essentially was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks in last summer's Jimmy Butler machinations, before a Mavericks misunderstanding nixed that agreement.
Instead, Dragic has emerged as the leader of the second unit.
This is where that implied no-trade clause on a one-year deal could come into play, with Dragic possibly amenable to another year in the range of his current $19 million salary. It would be a way of assuring South Florida stability for his family. By contrast, in any multi-year deal, Dragic, who turns 34 on May 6, would be trade-eligible come Dec. 15 of next season.
3. Jae Crowder: The thought at the trading deadline was that it would be a three-month rental with Crowder, part of the attraction in the deal with the Memphis Grizzlies being that Crowder is in the final year of his contract.
But now, after emerging as rotation component, and with his 8-of-20 3-point shooting, Crowder may come to be viewed as something potentially more permanent.
Crowder's role in a healthy Heat rotation (once Tyler Herro and Meyers Leonard return) may offer insight into the team's approach this summer.
Still, with Crowder turning 30 on July 6, it could come down to whether the goal is one, final long-term deal, which almost assuredly would have to come from elsewhere.
4A. Kelly Olynyk: Olynyk has a decision on his $13.2 million player option for 2020-21.
Should he opt in, it could mean the Heat moving on from Meyers Leonard, if only because of duplication in an NBA no longer centered on the play of big men.
Should Olynyk opt out, it likely would be in a search for playing time, which likely would be part of a mutual parting.
4B. Meyers Leonard: The question if Olynyk moves on is where the Heat will value Leonard.
That well could be determined by Leonard's play when he returns from his severe ankle sprain, as well as whether coach Erik Spoelstra evolves into more of a small-ball approach to maximize opportunities for Derrick Jones Jr. and Jae Crowder.
5. Solomon Hill: Perhaps the most stunning revelation of the Heat at the trade deadline was that Hill earns $12.8 million. For the moment, he merely is a figure on the Heat's salary ledger, sort of this year's Ryan Anderson.
6. Udonis Haslem: The goal, upon returning at 39, was to leave the Heat in a better place than where they finished last season. Mission accomplished. Figure on a No. 40 jersey retirement some time next season.
