Should the Heat even still be thinking 2010?

[HeatGuyInChicago]

The problem is Cleveland could make that exact pitch to Wade and Lebron, not to mention have roughly another 15 mil to fill out the roster. I can't even imagine a team passing on 17 million in cap space when all-stars are available for the chance at other players the next year. Especially when there will be a number of teams making a pitch for these guys.

Where would you rather play for, Cleveland or Miami? Which front office has more credibility? Which State has no income taxes? I think New Jersey soon to be Brooklyn would have more an upper hand on Wade and LeBron because of JayZ than Cleveland. Cleveland has yet to provide a LeBron an adequate supporting cast. I'm sure Miami will put out feelers through LeBron's agent. Miami needs Beasley to develop to be a player in the 2010 FA market. All things said. The 2010 plan does not preclude us from making a move sooner to get to a Championship level; however, to not fiscally prepare for it would be foolish.

Go Heat!!!

[HeatGuyInChicago]

The problem is Cleveland could make that exact pitch to Wade and Lebron, not to mention have roughly another 15 mil to fill out the roster. I can't even imagine a team passing on 17 million in cap space when all-stars are available for the chance at other players the next year. Especially when there will be a number of teams making a pitch for these guys.

I'm not married to LeBron. Another 2010 guy out there who would fit with Wade is Joe Johnson.

[SA37]

The problem is Cleveland could make that exact pitch to Wade and Lebron, not to mention have roughly another 15 mil to fill out the roster. I can't even imagine a team passing on 17 million in cap space when all-stars are available for the chance at other players the next year. Especially when there will be a number of teams making a pitch for these guys.

I have no questions that Riley will forgo cap space in 2010 for the right player in 2009. It just depends who we can get and at what price.

As stated by a few other posters, Cleveland isn't nearly as appealing as Miami, especially if Beasley is showing star-promise or fulfilling it.

As of now, Cleveland will only have their rookies under contract in '10. Not exactly appealing.

[GameTime_3]

Though the class is mediocre, Pat Riley said he will enter free agency Tuesday expecting to add quality pieces partly because only a few teams (Memphis, Philadelphia) have much cap room, and ``there are going to be a lot of players that eventually filter to the exception or part of it.''

, Riley said, ``A lot of short [term] money will have to be accepted by these guys . . . We've got to protect our backside in 2010.''

The Heat knows Alonzo Mourning might not be ready by the opener, and Riley wants a defensively skilled center. It expects to find one cheaply among Kwame Brown-types.

Overall, expect miami to make a run at Kwame Brown and clear more cap space. I know many hate the idea of planning for 2010 but that is Riley's plan.

http://www.miamiherald.com/594/story/587113.html