A: Chris Andersen has been a solid fit, but the Heat are extremely limited in their offseason maneuverability, essentially limited to a $3 million taxpayer mid-level exception and then nothing beyond minimum salaries (Andersen would be eligible for the minimum plus 20 percent). So, first, the question becomes whether the Heat want to use that chip and forgo other options, and then whether the Heat would want to exercise the mid-level at all because of their tax situation. Considering the amnesty money Andersen is collecting from Denver, perhaps he would be willing to accept less. But it also could come down to whether Ray Allen picks up his option year (I think he will). Otherwise, the Heat might have to address a perimeter option in free agency, especially if Mike Miller is cast aside during the July amnesty period. The future of Joel Anthony could factor in as well, if the Heat can find a trade partner for him, or perhaps make him their amnesty cut.
Q: Would the Heat consider Captain Jack in the offseason? -- R.V.G.
A: My initial reaction was, "Stephen Jackson, are you crazy?" But with the Heat so limited in their free-agency and tax flexibility, I think they would give thought to every and any possibility at the veteran's minimum. Still, if Jackson's primary issue in San Antonio was playing time, then that flies in the face of the Heat's "sacrifice" mentality, something the front office likely would not want to saddle Erik Spoelstra with. If a player isn't good enough for Gregg Popovich to keep than he probably isn't worth the bother for Pat Riley.
Q: Riley will give Dexter Pittman Heat tickets for the playoffs. -- Rob.
A: It's kind of sad, but not surprising, how far the former Heat draft project has fallen, released Sunday by the Grizzlies. In essence, the trading-deadline deal in February was more about Memphis getting the accompanying second-round pick (and cash) from the Heat, and the Heat getting a trade exception and the open roster spot to add Juwan Howard. I'm not sure Dexter finds his way back into the league.