A: The Heat are in a unique position with Babbitt, because of the Bird Rights that accompanied him in last summer's trade with the Pelicans. If the Heat set aside $1.5 million in cap space at the start of free agency, they then could pay him any amount up to the maximum once they are done with their free-agent signings. The question therefore becomes whether holding aside that number is something the Heat can afford, or whether they simply can bring him back for the NBA minimum later in free agency, which would not require holding aside any cap space. Part of that could be what the Heat do in the draft, when an outside-shooting big man such as T.J. Leaf from UCLA could be available to mimic Babbitt's skill set. The other question is whether the Heat plan to cast anyone in such a role, or whether James Johnson will emerge in the starting role he took over at the end of last season's amid Babbitt's injury. Babbitt as a reserve may not be as valuable to the Heat as Babbitt as a floor-spacing starter. And then there is the question of what to do with Josh McRoberts, the Heat's initial option as a floor-spacing big man. I don't believe Babbitt will be an offseason priority, but I do believe his Bird Rights and skill set will make him a consideration. However, if any team offers much above the minimum, it would not be surprising to see the Heat allow him to walk.