Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem has opted out of the final year of his contract and is expected to return to the Heat on a much smaller contract. He was set to make $4.6 million in 2014-2015.Â
Udonis Haslem has opted out of his contract
— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) June 28, 2014
The interesting dynamic here is that Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are likely to follow in Haslem’s footsteps, which would be the first real indication that Heat players are willing to help team president Pat Riley bring in more talent by opting out and returning for less.
Haslem, Bosh, Wade all have same representation. So, yes, plans are in concert. Freeing up money for Riley to work.
— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) June 28, 2014
Considering that Haslem won’t make anywhere near the $4.6 million he was set to make under his old deal, there has to be something else on the verge of breaking here. In short, he wouldn’t have opted out without knowing what Wade and Bosh are going to do.
The Big Three have already sat down and discussed their plans. In addition to this, Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry has been linked to Miami since the end of the NBA Finals. Â We could be looking at a vastly improved Miami Heat roster within the next few weeks, which is a scary proposition for the rest of the NBA.
Photo: USA Today