After Signing Ray Allen, What Other Moves Will Miami Heat Make?

With big-name franchises acquiring big-name players, the landscape of the NBA began to shift into a more balanced, yet top-heavy league. As of Friday, July 6th, however, we were reminded of who the top dog truly is.

The defending champion Miami Heat signed sharpshooter and 16-year veteran Ray Allen, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. The Heat, who never shy away from making headlines in free agency, added their fourth superstar to the batch and improved in the area that lifted them to a title in 2012.

The question is, what will come next?

In all likelihood, the Miami Heat will continue to pad their roster with low-cost players who will play specific roles on the team. From adding depth to their shooters to addressing their dire need for a big body in the paint, something will get done.

But what?

Could Marcus Camby Be Hitting South Beach?

According to Jared Swerling of ESPN New York, Marcus Camby is scheduled to meet with the Miami Heat. After signing Ray Allen, however, the Heat will only be able to offer the $1.35 million veteran minimum—an amount that Camby is not too high on. 

Nevertheless, the Heat's pursuit of Camby is underway and overwhelmingly necessary. Their interior defense is as weak as any team's in the NBA—a likely result of their undersized rotation. By signing Marcus Camby, though, the Heat would add a 6'11" body who averaged 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in just 22.4 minutes of playing time.

The 38-year-old still has game. The Miami Heat must capitalize on that before it's too late.

Rashard Lewis on the Radar?

According to Tim Kephart of CBS Miami, Rashard Lewis will be visiting the Miami Heat on Saturday, July 7th.

The 6'10" forward would have to take a major decrease in pay to join the Heat, but he would be in store for his most serious shot at a title since leading the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals behind 19.0 points per game.

While Lewis may not be the physical interior defender the Heat had been hoping for, his size and versatility both spread the floor and improve the quality of their defensive rotation. While Lewis has never been a prolific shot-blocker, he has a career average of 1.1 steals per game—a result of quick hands and unbelievable length.

The true reason Miami is after Lewis, however, is his shooting. The 14-year veteran has posted career percentages of 45.4 percent from the floor and 38.8 percent from distance. While Ray Allen more than makes up for the injury-prone Mike Miller, Lewis' size and shooting may offer the dynamic presence off of the bench that the Heat have long needed.

Elton Brand a Target?

Just when you thought the star power couldn't get any stronger, the Miami Heat could be in pursuit of another big name on aging legs. This time around, that name could be Elton Brand.

This comes on the heels of the Philadelphia 76ers' surprising decision to release Brand, who was scheduled to make $18 million in 2013. While he will still collect the money, Brand will now hit waivers and then potentially become an unrestricted free agent.

Ethan J. Skolnick of the Palm Beach Post reports that Miami could have interest in signing Brand to a deal upon clearance of waivers:

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Expect the Heat to have strong interest in Elton Brand if he fully clears waivers. Still great respect for him in organization.

— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) July 6, 2012"

This deal would likely lead to an often utilization of undersized lineups. Brand could clearly play the 4, while Chris Bosh would move over to the 5. If nothing else, Brand would simply offer a solid scoring option from the post, which is something Udonis Haslem cannot consistently claim to be.

Mike Miller's Future to Be Decided

Per a report via ESPN.com, it appears as if Mike Miller's decrepit body could be catching up with him. After hobbling his way to seven three-pointers in the Miami Heat's clinching Game 5 victory, Miller has stated that he will weigh all options and mull over retirement.

A poetic ending for a career that began with a loss in the 2000 National Championship Game with none other than the in-state Florida Gators. This time around, Miller's efforts were enough to help secure the gold.

While a return to the NBA is not out of the question, you'd be hard-pressed to find a player who was laboring as much as Miller. Simply running up and down the floor seemed like pulling teeth, and it's hard to imagine Miller would like to be on board for another season of the same.

Fortunately, the Heat opened the door for Ray Allen.

James Jones to Retire?

In a shocking turn of events, it appears as if another Miami Heat sharpshooter could follow in the footsteps of Mike Miller.

James Jones, who won the 2011 NBA Three-Point Shootout, has publicly stated that he's considering walking away from the game. This comes per a report via Sporting News, which states that injuries, family and pride all play a role in his potential decision:

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“Most definitely,” Jones said about whether he would consider retirement. “I’ve been going for the last two years. I didn’t have a summer off coming off an injury. Then with the NBA lockout and the collective bargaining stuff, it’s been a 24-month grind for me.”

"

Jones continues to acknowledge the toll the grind has taken.

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“Mentally and physically, it’s taken a toll not just on me, but for my family,” Jones said. “At some point, you know the game comes to an end. You see the writing on the wall. You try to prolong it as long as possible. Like anything I’ve ever done, I want to walk away from my challenges rather than my challenges push me aside.”

"

While Ray Allen may replace Mike Miller, who replaces James Jones? The need for Rashard Lewis may have just grown stronger.

Derek Fisher Back on the Radar

In March of 2012, LeBron James made waves when he publicly stated that Derek Fisher would be a good fit in Miami. This came on the heels of Fisher's trade to the Rockets and eventual release. According to John Rohde of The Oklahoman, that interest has yet to die down.

The Heat are reportedly interested in bringing the five-time NBA Champion to South Beach, but it's hard to understand why. Mario Chalmers broke out in a major way during the postseason, and Norris Cole proved to be a valuable defender off of the bench. To replace either of these men so prematurely would be counter-productive.

Especially with a 37-year-old who is a far inferior defender.