ASK IRA: Do Heat need a scorer, or someone to facilitate scoring?

Q: Ira, after getting swept in the first round of the playoffs and after seeing teams that put an emphasis on offense succeeding, do you think the Heat may look to add a star that is a scorer (not a shooter) or do you think the Erik Spoelstra philosophy of “We have enough” will prevail, again? — Julio, Cape Coral.

A: There are two ways to look at adding offense: A scorer, as you mentioned; or a point guard who better facilitates what you already have available on offense. The Heat scored plenty a year ago, with most of this roster in place. There yet could be something to maximizing the scoring potential of what already is in place.

Q: Hey, Ira. The Heat have a lot of youthful talent, which equates to potential, but may not necessarily be conducive to taking advantage of their current window. They need talent that is in their prime and ready to compete if they will be successful, and I believe that means going plenty above the salary cap. If they are able to sign a star-caliber player in free agency, are they able to also use the contract for Andre Iguodala to attach to a sign-and-trade of Kendrick Nunn and other assets for another player that can help them win now? — Victor, Bethlehem, Pa.

A: No, if the Heat want to add an upper-tier free agent solely through cap space, then they basically would have to sever their rights to Andre Iguodala, as well as other potential expiring contracts. Conversely, if the Heat want to keep Andre and, possibly, Goran Dragic, to utilize in trades, then they would not have cap space. So, to simplify, the Heat are position for either: A) Cap space on an elite player, exception money and trades, or, B) Retaining current contracts to utilize in trade, forgoing cap space, then filling in with exceptions.

Q: Ira, the Heat have decisions looming with Jimmy Butler, yet are a couple of superstars, not role players, away from NBA Finals appearances. They’re not going to arrive via the draft and as you have pointed out, sign-and-trades are difficult. Therefore, could the team-option contracts of Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala be the most likely way Riley finally lands a whale? — Gabriel, Miami.

A: Only if it is a “whale” on another team that has more than one year left on his contract, where that team could save by taking on the single remaining year on the deals of Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala. And that basically is a past-his-prime whale. It is why I mentioned Kevin Love in that regard.