What does/should Miami do now?

[jpotter33]

What do you guys think they should do now?

They lost Wade, Deng, and Johnson this offseason, who were all three key components for them last year. They're most likely losing Bosh for medical retirement, too, leaving them with Dragic, Winslow, McRoberts, and Richardson as the key contributors on the team. Being this late in free agency, it's doubtful they can put up any sort of competitive playoff team for this season.

So what should they do with Whiteside? There's three options -

First, they can keep him and build around him. However, he's already 27 years old, and he's not exactly a foundational piece that you'd want to build around. I'd not go this route.

Second, you can still sign him with the intention of trading him after December when he can be traded again.

Third, you can try and work out a sign-and-trade scenario now where you're adequately compensated in some sort of package of draft picks and young prospects.

The second option would probably give you the most in return, but it would also hurt your tanking efforts a bit at the start of the year. Do you think Danny would be interested in some sort of sign and trade with Miami since they've already agreed to terms?

[Kuberski33]

Not that I care..but...I'd build the team around Whiteside, Winslow and Dragic.  They're actually better off without Wade if he's going to cost 20 million plus.  He's on the downside and he gets hurt too much.

[jpotter33]

Not that I care..but...I'd build the team around Whiteside, Winslow and Dragic.  They're actually better off without Wade if he's going to cost 20 million plus.  He's on the downside and he gets hurt too much.

Does that team even make the playoffs this year? Is that really worth not tanking and missing out on a loaded draft?

[Jon]

I'm curious.  If Miami is going young and Bosh is healthy, he could be an interesting piece to put next to Horford up front. 

[Kuberski33]

They will be a prime destination for one major free agent next summer.  Westbrook?

[CelticSooner]

Not that I care..but...I'd build the team around Whiteside, Winslow and Dragic.  They're actually better off without Wade if he's going to cost 20 million plus.  He's on the downside and he gets hurt too much.

Does that team even make the playoffs this year? Is that really worth not tanking and missing out on a loaded draft?

Thing is they don't have a first round pick thanks to the Dragic trade. This is why you have a plan in place! lol

[RJ87]

I'm curious.  If Miami is going young and Bosh is healthy, he could be an interesting piece to put next to Horford up front.

I wouldn't do it unless it's a steep discount, which it won't be with Pat Riley.

[trickybilly]

I'm curious.  If Miami is going young and Bosh is healthy, he could be an interesting piece to put next to Horford up front.

Wow. Do that definitely. Also, Poor Poor Lakers - if only they knew Whiteside might become available before they paid a Warner Brothers amount of money to Mozgov.. ah hahahahahahahahahahahah

[danglertx]

Whiteside isn't obligated to sign with the Heat.  If any team wants him, they need to get him to sign with them instead of the Heat.

[esel1000]

Whiteside would be a good compliment to Horford

[Lucky17]

I vote moving the team to Seattle. Cause none of those frontrunning fans in South Beach are going to show up to watch that team.

[MJohnnyboy]

I wouldn't be surprised if they pay Lance Stephenson as a fallback option.

[PhoSita]

Build around Dragic, Winslow, and Whiteside I guess. Not a bad core.

Miami will be fine.

Wade is on the edge. The Bulls aren't going to anywhere with him.

[footey]

Johnson is an RFA. Won't they match Nets offer and keep him now that Wade is gone?

[slightly biased bias fan]