Woj: Big Three Will Wait for Pat Riley to Upgrade Roster by Wes Goldberg

After opting out of the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat, Chris Andersen will be a free agent at midnight, July 1. According to a report, there is a chance Birdman flies the coop.

Miami gave him his comeback, but Birdman is reportedly looking for a well-deserved pay day. With re-signing LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh being the Heat’s top priority, Andersen could find more money elsewhere.

Wouldn’t be surprised if Dallas & Houston heat up for Texas native Chris Andersen. DAL needs size & HOU w/o Asik. Birdman likes MIA/LeBron. — Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) June 30, 2014

That @JaredZwerling tweet is consistent with what I’ve heard on Chris Andersen. If Miami wants him back, minimum-level may not do it. — Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) July 1, 2014

In one-and-a-half seasons in Miami, Andersen certainly outplayed his deal worth $1.4 million a year. He was a big reason why the Heat got through the Indiana Pacers and into the NBA Finals the past two seasons, and gave Erik Spoelstra the closest thing to a consistent, true center he has had in the Big Three era.

Miami may have to use some of its mid-level exception to re-sign Andersen. How much of the MLE the team will have available will depend on various salary cap conditions, including how much the Big Three re-sign for.