Q: Ira, Cleveland was second-apron and now they\u2019ve making all kinds of moves. I say it\u2019s time for the Heat to get under the hard cap and get going. What say you? \u2013 Tim.<\/p>\n
A: Actually, I don\u2019t have to say anything, because this is somewhat apples and oranges. When it comes to being over either of the aprons, there are means to then get below, by shaving salary from the payroll, and then resetting your position against those aprons \u2013 as Cleveland did with the Dennis Schroder and Max Strus trades. The hard cap is different. Once you get hard capped, that is it for that cap calendar year. So with their move for Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> and the maneuvering that was required, the Heat are hard capped at the first tax apron for 2026-27 no matter where their payroll stands. That doesn\u2019t mean there isn\u2019t wiggle room, such as the $10 million below the cap where they currently stand. Nor does it mean that more space can\u2019t be created below their hard cap, which can be accomplished by offloading salary. For now, consternation largely is misplaced. The Heat got Giannis Antetokounmpo, that makes this offseason a winning proposition no matter any ancillary moves. And based on the timing of some of this summer\u2019s other moves, it also doesn\u2019t mean the Heat can\u2019t be a considerable player at the Feb. 11 NBA trade deadline.<\/p>\n Q: Typical for the Heat. They procrastinate like teams will wait and let them sign who they want first.\u00a0 \u2013 Mo.<\/p>\n