Players The Miami Heat Should Make A Priority In Free Agency
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The NBA's annual free agency period is set to kick off on Friday and as usual, the Miami Heat are right in the middle of things.
Between pending free agents already on the team to guys that Miami has been linked to targeting, the frenzy on the horizon should be exciting for Heat fans.
Pat Riley always has something up his sleeve and is savvy enough to have had a plan in place for several years, and now it's time for those wheels to be put into motion.
Before getting to the feast, here's an appetizer of highlights for some of the main players that Riley and the Heat will be shining their spotlight on the brightest.
PLAYERS TO RE-SIGN
Dwyane Wade: He's been with the Heat for his entire 13-year career and has been the backbone of the team through three NBA championships. Wade is surely one of the main selling points that Riley will be pitching to potential new signings so getting him back under contract is a must.
More from the 'This Is My House' game:
Hassan Whiteside: After bouncing around professional basketball for what probably felt like forever, Whiteside was given another shot at the NBA by Riley and the Heat. With an amazing program and teachers around him, Whiteside flourished with Miami and has become one of the best big men in the league. Will Hassan show Miami any loyalty or does he just want someone to show him the money?
He topped that game less than two weeks later:
PRIORITY FREE AGENTS TO TARGET
Kevin Durant: One of the most electric players and prolific scorers in the NBA today, Kevin Durant is the biggest name to go on the market this offseason. He has meetings set up with six teams during a three-day span, the last of which is the Heat on Sunday.
Al Horford: Backup plans are essential and if anyone knows this, its Pat Riley. In case the Heat can't retain the services of Hassan Whiteside, Horford will be an important player for Miami to target.
PLAYERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Nicolas Batum: A solid two-way game and a guy who knows how to score, Batum would be an upgrade over pending free agent Luol Deng.
Jordan Hill: A solid big guy who would fit into the Heat's defensive system, he would be a solid addition to the rotation. That becomes especially true if Chris Bosh doesn't return next season.
Ryan Anderson: A solid offensive player who is known for his long-range shooting, Anderson also adds a rebounding element that rounds out his game quite nicely.
