After initial projections of an $89 million cap, teams are now operating under the belief it would be $92 million, ESPN reported. The Heat is doing projections with the more conservative number, as well.
Taking into account 2016-17 salaries for Chris Bosh, Goran Dragic, Josh McRoberts, Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson and required cap holds for open roster spots, that would leave Miami with just over $40 million in cap space with a $92 million cap.
If the Heat can somehow find a taker for McRoberts without taking money back, cap space could grow to $46 million.
Say, hypothetically, the Heat gives Whiteside $20 million next season.
With a $92 million cap, that would leave $20 million for Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng and Joe Johnson, likely not enough to keep more than Wade and Johnson. But if McRoberts is dealt, that would leave $26 million for Wade/Johnson and either Deng or another player.
Assuming Wade’s return and the fact Miami says it wants to re-sign Johnson, it would be very difficult to keep Deng unless McRoberts is dealt.
The Heat can exceed the cap to re-sign Tyler Johnson; regardless of his salary, it will take up just $980,000 of cap space. Miami also will have a $2.8 million room exception but cannot combine that with cap space.
