The Miami Heat 'Take Control' of Free Agency with New Cap Projection

David Stern announced on Friday that next season's salary cap is expected to be significantly higher than previously anticipated. Instead of falling between $50-53 million as was projected late last season, the new projection Stern delivered was $56.1 million. 

That money may not seem like much, but to the team's saving up every nickel and dime for this summer, it could be the difference between landing a Chris Bosh or coming away empty handed. 

Washington, Chicago, Sacramento, and the Los Angeles Clippers will all assuredly have enough cap space to sign max-contract free agents now. 

But the real winners are the Miami Heat and New York Knicks. With the new projection the Knicks will probably see their dream of signing two players to maximum contracts. 

The Heat are even more lucky. They already had enough money to do that, even in the most modest of cap projections. Now though, they have enough space to re-sign Wade, bring in another max free agent and still have enough money left over to bring a third player in on a sizable contract above the mid-level exception. 

Mark Stein of ESPN quoted an anonymous team executive as saying "Miami might have just taken control of free agency."

With enough money to make the biggest splash this offseason and the team rolling into the playoffs red-hot after an 18-4 close to the regular season, things are looking brighter than ever in Miami.

Instead of possibly seeing Wade and Udonis Haslem walk this summer, a strong showing against Boston and a big hit in free agency should assure the Heat are able to retain both of their captains, and with careful spending and some shrewd negotiating might even be able to entice a fourth considerable free agent to join the mix next season as well.

A dynasty is brewing in Miami this summer.