3 possible candidates for $4.7M trade exception

The 2023 NBA Free Agency period begins Friday at 6:00 PM EST where teams can officially negotiate with free agents from other teams.

The Miami Heat enter the offseason in a precarious position. With a projected $176.6 million allocated to 10 players, they sit about $11.6 million above the luxury tax ($165M), $4.6 million above the first tax bracket ($172M) and $5.9 million below the newly implemented second bracket ( $182M).

They are unable to sign anyone via sign-and-trades and are currently barred from using their non-taxable mid-level exception ($12.4M), as well as their taxpayer MLE ($5M) because they risk having a hard ceiling themselves.

Thus, the only exception available to them is their $4.7M trade exception, which they can use to acquire one or more players on the trade market without having to match money. With the new CBA, they are able to digest $4.7M plus an additional $250K (as opposed to $100K in the previous one) with their trade exception legally.

While this would still count against the salary cap, it is an additional way for the Heat to acquire talent and absorb contracts outside of signing their own or other free agents.

Most trade exceptions, which last exactly one year, are not used because the amount is small and it is often difficult to find a player or players that teams can trade for that fit the exception.

According to Hoops Rumors, there are 51 active trade exceptions (five have been partially used) with an average starting amount of $4.68 million; The Heat’s $4.7 million exception — which expires Feb. 7, 2024, generated from the Dewayne Dedmon trade to San Antonio — is practically the average amount.

There are over 110 non-rookies set to make $4.95 million ($4.7M + $250K) or less, but let’s dive into three specific candidates who could be a good fit for Miami!

Skinny: KJ Martin has previously been linked to the Heat. Prior to last season, after the Heat found themselves without a “true” starting power forward, PJ Tucker flocked to Philadelphia in free agency.

Kelly Iko by Athletics reported that Martin “approached Rockets management” to discuss a trade that never went through — and the Heat were one of the interested teams. I could see the two sides partnering this offseason if the Heat; The Rockets aren’t in any kind of rush to shed any salary because they’re still north of $50 million before reaching $122.4 million. the salary floor with 12 players on the list.

They’re going to (predictably) throw money at free agents, and they could be a team that takes on a bad contract or two, which could benefit Miami. Either way, I expect the Heat brass to circle back to Martin — as they typically have in recent years with players they like — whether it’s in the offseason or at the trade deadline.

Skinny: The Indiana Pacers are reportedly in the lead for the Max Strus sweepstakes. NBA Insider Marc Stein reported Wednesday that the Pacers are “heavily considering” offering Strus three years, $48 million when free agency opens Friday.

The Pacers theoretically do not need to work out a sign-and-trade, as they are expected to have $34 million in cap space cap space after the signings of their first-round picks — Jarace Walker ($6.1 million) and Ben Sheppard ($2.5 million) — become official. They’re also in no danger of being tough ($172M), so a sign-and-trade is more than possible.

However, Indiana is congested on the wing with sharpshooter Buddy Hield, sophomore stud Ben Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Jordan Nwora and Sheppard. That problem is exacerbated if they add Strus.

It would ultimately take both sides to agree to complete a sign-and-trade, but Duarte — a 26-year-old whose role and effectiveness have both declined from his rookie season — is one to watch.

Skinny: Aldama filled in amicably for injuries to Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams throughout last season after having an abbreviated role as a rookie in 2021-22.

Even if they stay healthy, plus Xavier Tillman, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia and David Roddy all competing for minutes, it will be difficult for Aldama to get consistent playing time.

Aldama showed he could be a capable floor spacer last season, although he was overpowered defensively at times. The 6-foot-11 big would have a clear role with the Heat and could be a bigger body to add size to the frontcourt. This might be the most unlikely option, but I don’t hate the idea of ​​Aldama in 305.

This list was compiled courtesy of Spotrac. Depending on certain contracts guaranteed in the coming weeks, this list may change.

• Cameron Thomas ($2.24M)

• Edmond Sumner ($2.24 million)

• Day’Ron Sharpe ($2.21M)

• James Bouknight ($4.57M)

• Mark Williams ($3.91M)

• Kai Jones ($3.05M)

• Kobi Simmons ($2.07M)

• JT Thor ($1.84M)

• Bryce McGowen’s ($1.72 million)

• Andre Drummond ($3.36M)

• Dalen Terry ($3.35M)

• Carlik Jones ($1.93M)

• Marko Simonovic ($1.84 million)

• Sam Merrill ($2.00M)

• Lamar Stevens ($1.93M)

• Josh Green ($4.77M)

• Jaden Hardy ($1.72 million)

• Zeke Nnaji ($4.31M)

• Christian Braun ($2.95 million)

• Peyton Watson ($2.30M)

• Vlatko Cancar ($2.23 million)

• Jalen Duren ($4.33 million)

• Eugene Omoruyi ($1.93M)

• Isaiah Livers ($1.84M)

• Alperen Sengun ($3.54 million)

• Tari Eason ($3.53M)

• Usman Garuba ($2.59M)

• Josh Christopher ($2.49M)

• TyTy Washington Jr. ($2.32 million)

• Kenyon Martin Jr. ($1.93 million)

• Chris Duarte ($4.12M)

• Jordan Nwora ($3.00M)

• Isaiah Jackson ($2.70M)

• Andrew Nembhard ($2.13M)

• Trey Murphy III ($3.36M)

• Naji Marshall ($1.93M)

• José Alvarado ($1.84 million)

• Was was ($2.20 million)

• Gog Bitadze ($2.07 million)

• Caleb Houston ($2.00M)

• PJ Dozier ($2.41M)

• Kessler Edwards ($1.93M)

• Big Branham ($3.07M)

• Blake Wesley ($2.50M)

• Charles Bassey ($2.50 million)