Miami Heat: 3 pivotal storylines post All-Star break

3. Buyout market

While the prime candidates bought out of their contracts generally head to legitimate playoff contenders, that shouldn’t prevent the Heat from testing the market.

Considering their inability to score this season, attracting a player with the ability to put the ball in the hole would be the ideal target. Through 58 games, here is where the Heat rank in various offensive statistical categories:

• Points per game: 100.5 (28th)
• 3-point percentage: 35.9 (17th)
• Field goal percentage: 45.2 (21st)
• Offensive rating: 103.1 (25th)

Compare this to the final 41 games of last season, when the Heat rampaged through the league in posting a 30-11 record:

• Points per game: 108.0 (10th)
• 3-point percentage: 39.0 (3rd)
• Field goal percentage: 47.2 (7th)
• Offensive rating: 109.7 (8th)

With veterans Joe Jonson and Marco Belinelli already off the market, the amount of legitimate difference-makers available to sign has already been reduced. Therefore, here are some of the remaining candidates who are a chance of becoming available:

Channing Frye, Los Angeles Lakers

One of the players caught in the crossfire that engulfed the Cleveland Cavaliers, Frye has found himself on a Lakers team once again headed for the lottery. While he’s soon to turn 35, Frye  nonetheless remains a worthwhile contributor given the right circumstances.

Considering the injury-plagued season of Hassan Whiteside, and the complete inexperience of Bam Adebayo, having the big-game of experience of Frye would a more than worthwhile asset at the end of the bench.

But one small wrinkle, as Mike Breshanan of Spectrum SportsNet tweeted out:

While it’s a long shot that Frye gets bought out, his career 38.8 percent clip from 3-point range would make him one of the most suitable should it eventuate.

Marreese Speights, Orlando Magic

Like Frye, Speights is a veteran stretch-5 currently on a team headed to the lottery. Also like Frye, Speights is an NBA champion, having played a key role in the Golden State Warriors’ 2015 title.

In primarily a backup role, Speights has averaged 7.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game. Shooting at a 36.9 percent clip from 3-point range, the 11-year veteran currently leads the league in 3-point attempts per 36 minutes for players who’ve played in at least 40 games, averaging 12.5 attempts per 36 minutes.

Considering Speights is earning the veteran minimum this season, a buyout prior to the March 1 deadline is not an impossibility.