LeBron James taking his talents back to Cleveland left the Miami Heat in a tough situation, so it was no surprise when they took a step back on the heels of four straight trips to the NBA Finals.
The Atlanta Hawks capitalized on the opportunity and registered the best record in the Southeast Division while the Washington Wizards climbed the ranks as well and won a playoff series. While this division used to be a cupcake, it’s now one of the more hotly contested ones in the NBA.
Here is a look at what all five teams from the Southeast division are likely to do heading in to this summer’s free agency period.
Atlanta Hawks (60-22)
UFAs: Paul Millsap, DeMarre Carroll, Elton Brand, John Jenkins
RFAs: Pero Antic
Team/Player Options: Mike Muscala, Austin Daye
The Hawks dominated the Southeast division and went all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before bowing out to LeBron and the Cavaliers. However, they’ll be in tough to build on that success. Their most difficult test this offseason will be keeping their core intact with Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll both set to become unrestricted free agents. Both were key cogs in the frontcourt for Atlanta this season and losing either will hurt. Atlanta will likely bring RFA Pero Antic back but finding a way to bring back both Millsap and Carroll will not be easy and that could mean looking elsewhere to fill holes in their roster.
Washington Wizards (46-36)
UFAs: Kevin Seraphin, Rasual Butler, Drew Gooden, Will Bynum
RFAs: None
Team/Player Options: Paul Pierce
Pierce was excellent for Washington in the playoffs and the biggest question is whether or not he will take his player option or hit the open market looking for either more money or a chance at a ring. The Wizards will do what they can to bring him back but with reports that his former coach Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing him should he opt out, his future is clearly uncertain. Pierce would get less money playing for the Clippers but there is some allure there for him playing in his home town and chasing a ring.
Miami Heat (37-45)
UFAs: None
RFAs: None
Team/Player Options: Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic
Dragic is the key to Miami’s offseason as it’s likely that the Heat find a way to bring back everyone else. Dragic was a crucial trade deadline acquisition and Miami has to find a way to keep him or otherwise they gave up a bunch of assets for a halfseason rental.
Miami would like for Wade to renegotiate a hometown discount but it’s impossible to know for sure what his plans are after he remained non-committal while doing some broadcast work for ESPN during the NBA Finals. Deng is expected to be back with the Heat at $10.2 M for the one season while Miami will more than likely renegotiate Whiteside’s non-guaranteed deal in an effort to lock him up. Riley has done an excellent job of bringing back key players with the obvious exception of LeBron opting to go home to Cleveland, so it won’t be a surprise if all three players are back for Miami next season.
Charlotte Hornets (33-49)
UFAs: Mo Williams, Jason Maxiell
RFAs: Bismack Biyombo
Team/Player Options: Al Jefferson. Gerald Henderson
It didn’t take long for the Hornets to cut ties with Lance Stephenson and while they will do what they need to in order to bring back Jefferson, there is a good chance they will try to get something long-term done. Charlotte also wants Biyombo back so look for them to sign him as a restricted free agent.
Orlando Magic (25-57)
UFAs: Willie Green
RFAs: Tobias Harris
Team/Player Options: Ben Gordon, Luke Ridnour
The consensus is that whatever deal is given to Harris will include more money than he deserves after a strong second half to the season. We’ll see what else the Magic plan to do as they have a talented roster but are a bit of a wild card with new head coach Scott Skiles coming in. Look for him to acquire one or two guys who understand what he wants to accomplish defensively.
