MIAMI (AP) — With the season starting on Christmas, the Miami Heat are getting ready to shop.
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem are still under contract, meaning the core remains intact. Mario Chalmers is a restricted free agent, though he clearly has an eye on being back in Miami, and rookie point guard Norris Cole figures to contend for some rotation time.
Looking at that list, the free-agent focus in Miami seems obvious: The top Heat priority likely will be an upgrade at center.
There are some quality big-man options, including Tyson Chandler, Nene and Samuel Dalembert, who has some South Florida ties. Shane Battier, Grant Hill and former Heat forward Caron Butler remain options for other spots as well.
