Re: ~**~2013 NBA Offseason Thread - Free Agency begin July 1~**~
Another fuck Miami thing I guess
New rule limits Heat during NBA free agency
MIAMI—
* NBA free agency began as a whisper Monday for the Miami Heat and that might not change due to a twist in the collective-bargaining agreement that went into effect this offseason.
** A new rule effectively prohibits teams operating well above the luxury-tax threshold from receiving players in sign-and-trade agreements. Essentially, it means that the Heat cannot receive a current free agent through a trade.
* Under the wrinkle in the CBA that went into effect Monday, a team cannot receive a player in a sign-and-trade agreement if it puts that team more than $4 million above the luxury tax threshold (a status known as operating above the tax "apron").
* The Heat currently have a 2013-14 committed payroll of $86.5 million, with the luxury tax expected to fall at $71 million for next season and the "apron" limit at a bit over $75 million. In essence, the only way the Heat could receive a 2013 free agent in a sign-and-trade agreement is if such a deal leaves the Heat with a 2013-14 payroll below $75 million.
** In addition, starting this offseason, should the Heat utilize the $3.2 million taxpayer mid-level exception to add a free agent, the mechanism they used to sign Ray Allen last July, they then would be prohibited from receiving any player in a sign-and-trade transaction.
** So instead of being linked to Dwight Howard or any of the other major free agents, players that the Heat only could acquire in sign-and-trade agreements, the Heat on the opening day of free agency were linked to the likes of Greg Oden, Sebastian Telfair and other second-tier, low-cost possibilities.
** Teams were allowed to begin negotiations with free agents Monday, with signings not allowed until July 10, when the official salary-cap and luxury-tax figures will be announced for 2013-14.
Birdman watch
** The Heat have opened negotiations with free-agent center Chris Andersen, who Monday became free to negotiate with the team of his choice.
** The Heat are limited to contract offers to Andersen starting either at the $3.2 million taxpayer mid-level exception or a 20-percent raise over last year's salary, which would start a new contract at $1.7 million next season.
* The player nicknamed "Birdman" remained in South Florida following the Heat's Game 7 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, attending promotional appearances and working out at AmericanAirlines Arena.
** The Heat's only other unsigned free agent is veteran power forward Juwan Howard.
Limited discussion
** Among current free agents who previously were linked to the Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves free-agent forward Andrei Kirilenko downplayed the Heat as an option in an interview with Russia's "Sports Express."
** According to the translation at Hoopshype.com, Kirilenko said, "I don't want to confine myself in any way. But in general, do you want to go to a team where LeBron James is playing at your position? Or to Oklahoma with Kevin Durant? That almost certainly means quietly ending your career. I still feel I'm capable of making a real contribution."
Summer schedule
** The Heat are expected to release their initial summer roster Tuesday. The Heat will hold a three-day summer camp at AmericanAirlines Arena beginning Thursday before opening the Orlando Pro Summer League on Sunday. Both the camp and the summer league are closed to the public.