Allen Crabbe #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers guards J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 8, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio (Photo : Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Dwyane Wade is gone and the Miami Heat will look at potential replacement for the veteran guard either via free agency or through trades. If the Heat decide to sign a free agent to take Wade's spot on the roster, there are still several viable options for them on the market.
According to Sports Illustrated's FanSided, the Heat could look at the possibility of signing Allen Crabbe, J.R. Smith or Lance Stephenson to bolster their backcourt rotation. Washington Post also linked the Heat to a possible trade for Russell Westbrook but it is highly unlikely at this point, which means they could settle for free agents.
Crabbe had a solid year for the Portland Trail Blazers last season, as he averaged 10.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 81 games. The 24-year-old shooting guard is still unsigned and is testing his market value. It is widely speculated that the former California standout is looking for a $15-million deal per year.
If Crabbe commands for such deal, the Heat will likely shift their focus on other free-agent targets, considering how conservative they are in free agency this summer. Miami let Wade go, and will likely lose Tyler Johnson, who signed a four-year, $50 million offer sheet with the Brooklyn Nets.
Smith, who has not signed a new deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, could eventually become an option for the Heat. Aside from his ability to shoot from beyond the arc, the veteran shooting proved that he can also defend the top guards in the league.
According to the report, Smith is a cheaper alternative if Miami cannot give into Crabbe's asking price. However, it remains to be seen, though, whether or not the 30-year-old will actually be available on the free-agency market for long. The Cavaliers look set to offer a new deal to the 12-year veteran, who averaged 12.4 points last season.
Meanwhile, Stephenson, who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies last season, was also included on the list of possible replacements for Wade. The 25-year-old improved his market value in the second half of last season, averaging 14.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 26 games for the Grizzlies.
The report pointed out that Stephenson could play a big role in South Beach because of his versatility on both ends of the floor. It remains to be seen, though, how much the Heat are willing to offer to Stephenson this summer.
Watch Crabbe's 2015-16 season highlights with the Trail Blazers below.
