Market Watch: Potential Free Agents for Miami 2007 Offseason

Welcome to Miami, Bienvenido a Miami.

We are expecting some big changes this offseason for the Heat, who are really a year behind in making adjustments. After their championship season in 2006, there were many of us here at MiamiHeatwave.com that realized the Heat needed to tweak things:

A backup PG with some youth
A solid option for a #3 scorer
More youth and depth

A year later, and that is what everyone is saying. Again.

The knock that the Heat are old is moronic. This team is not too old as the main catalyst for their team is Dwyane Wade. Udonis Haslem is young as is Jason Kapono. Those are three starters right there. James Posey is hardly a step slow, too. Alonzo Mourning is arguably the best backup center of all time and looks like a starter for several other NBA franchises - but most likely he will retire which means he will need to be replaced. Antoine Walker is what he is - but age is not a factor for his game.

The only guys you have to concerned about are Gary Payton and Jason Williams. Payton is going to hang them up this offseason and Jason Williams, who can still play, doesn't seem to be able to get back to his old self. He is relatively young at age 32, hardly an old man by NBA standards (just ask Steve Nash). His knees still seem to bother him as he doesn't practice in order to rest himself through the regular season.

The Heat are likely going to lose Payton and Zo, and possibly even Kapono and Posey. That is four roster spots that have to be replaced despite any chants of "uno mas".

Here are some options for Miami as they head into the offseason a little earlier than anticipated:

Guards
G Steven Blake, Nuggets: Miami native that is a pass-first PG with the ability to stick the open J, hit the three, and penetrate off the dribble to set up the pass.
G Demarr Johnson. Nuggets: Athletic talent that hasn't found his niche in Denver, but could provide youth, athleticism and depth for the Heat behind Wade.
G Matt Barnes, Warriors: Getting some PT and exposure in the playoffs. Provides youth, scoring and athleticism.
G Jason Hart, Clippers: Solid PG that could blossom with Riley's system.
G Mo Williams, Bucks: Quick PG with ability to penetrate and score. Would be an interesting duo with he and Wade.
G Earl Boykins, Bucks: Undersized but can man the point and score.
G Jaque Vaughn, Spurs: Solid PG with good skills. Ideal backup.

Forwards
F Andres Nocioni, Bulls: Longshot, but would be a great #3 for this team (restricted).
F Jerry Stackhouse, Mavs: Would add depth, but not my cup o' tea.
F Gerald Wallace, Bobcats: Priority #1. If we can get this guy to come to Miami, we would be unstoppable.
F Luke Walton, Lakers: Could provide some hustle and shooting and possibly replace Kapono or Posey should one leave.
F Brian Skinner, Bucks: Could be used as a backup C or PF. Great rebounder and could complement Shaq.
F Joe Smith, 76ers: Experienced vet that could add scoring depth for the frontcourt and offer moments of big time plays.

Centers
C Desagana Diop, Mavs: Could be solid backup to Shaq. Maybe cheaper than Doleac.
C/F Malik Rose, Knicks: Another potential backup C for Shaq although undersized.
C Micheal Olowakandi, Celtics: Could be a great backup C and practicing with Shaq might learn a thing of two.
C Primoz Brezec, Bobcats: Has some range and could be used as a backup C and possibly a PF. Maybe expendable in Charlotte.
C Mikki Moore, Nets: Made huge strides this season with significant PT. Could get a big payout, but would be a great pickup for frontcourt depth for Miami.
C Jamaal Magliore, Trailblazers: Skills have seemed to take a complete dive, but still has size and could benefit from coming in off the bench to relieve Shaq.
C Melvin Ely, Spurs: Made a splash last season for the Bobcats to help relieve injuries. Could be a cheap alternative to add to the team.

Changes are a'comin. There are other possible targets that could be had via a trade, but at this time we won't investigate that option as the postseason is not quite over. Yet, keep an eye on the Boston Celtics and what they do with Sebastian Telfair, who is under scrutiny for his latest arrest. Riley has never shyed away from characters, and Telfair has exactly what the Heat need - athleticism, youth and talent - and it might be a fraction of the cost.

The Heat will need to build around Wade first, Shaq second. They could look to run more if Riley the coach can promise Riley the GM to return to the Lakers' Showtime playbook. Of that list above, Gerald Wallace would be the best option as he would provide a strong #3 scorer with youth and athleticism as well as the ability to score without the ball as both Wade and Shaq are going to dominate the ball.

Discuss who you want Miami to sign HERE.