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Miami Heat's Chris Andersen To Opt Out Of Contract, Become Free Agent

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Less than 24 hours after the Miami Heat were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals it seems that Heat big man Chris 'Birdman' Andersen has decided that he will test the free agent waters.  According to Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears, Andersen will decline his $1.45 million player option for the 2014-15 season and test his market value around the NBA.

The move makes financial sense for Andersen as he has been an integral part of Miami's rotation since joining the Heat mid-way through the 2012-13 season despite getting paid the veterans minimum.

This move doesn't necessarily mean that Andersen will leave the Heat.  Miami could offer him a new contract for more money which is likely the ideal situation for Andersen.  If the Heat doesn't feel that he is worth a pay increase then Andersen will have to see what kind of offers he receives from other NBA teams.

Regardless where he may sign, there is no way he will make less money than the contract he is opting out of in Miami as the veterans minimum is a uniform number throughout the league.  Whether or not the Heat decides to try and retain his services remains to be seen.  Teams are free to negotiate with unsigned players starting on July 1 which is when Andersen will officially become a free agent.

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