Two Miami Heat players could be casualties by the start of the NBA Free Agency as the team tries to maneuver itself into having ample budget to retain its top stars.
At the top of the list is of course Goran Dragic who is reportedly set to get a deal worth $85 million spread into five years. Take note that this is not a max contract.
Another player in mind is the disgruntled Dwyane Wade who has expressed disappointment at how his contract is being handled. Wade is looking for the proper pay and the Heat may have to eventually give in if they want to keep the long-time All Star guard.
There is no word on what Luol Deng plans on his contract though opting out could mean goodbye. Hassan Whiteside is due for a raise and there is of course the new recruit in the Heat fold, Justise Winslow.
Said to be on the block are Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen, two remnants of the Heat's title run when Lebron James was still around. The two carry a combined $9 million for the coming season and the Heat may be looking to do away with that as they try to avoid the dreaded luxury tax in the coming season.
Both are proven role players and that alone should ensure that some team/s would be interested in hooking up their services.
Looking forward, unloading Chalmers and Andersen could also be a move towards the next NBA Free Agency period where the team could make a serious run at Kevin Durant.
Durant is set to become one of the big names next season so the Heat are trying to size up their salary budget to possibly lure in the 2013-14 NBA MVP.
With Chalmers and Andersen on the trading block, the Heat could be possibly looking at cheaper replacements ahead to fill in the holes they would leave.
Regardless of those would be, the main agenda for the Heat right now is to keep Dragic and Wade in the fold. Will they succeed? Where will Chalmers and Andersen eventually end up?
