Amar'e Stoudemire Signing Is Yet Another Shrewd Move for Heat in Post-LeBron Era

Dark days aren't really a thing in Miami, but that threatened to change almost exactly one year ago (minus one day) when the cosmos' best player announced in an online letter that he was returning home to Cleveland. 

Miami Heat team president Pat Riley could have justifiably thrown up his hands at that point, resigning the post-LeBron era to rebuilding hell, perhaps even saying goodbye to franchise face Dwyane Wade and his still sizable price tag.

Riley didn't allow that to happen. The rain clouds moved on. Wade did not.

And on the same day that Riley announced Wade would stick around for the 2015-16 campaign, the franchise made another move that should allow it to restore its rightful place in the playoffs: The Heat signed former All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire—at a bargain rate.

The 32-year-old split time between the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks last season, averaging 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in just 21.1 minutes per game. It was efficient offense from a guy who's been a scoring specialist throughout his career, including his six All-Star appearances and a series of highly effective seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

Injuries have slowed Stoudemire, but he remains a physical and active contributor. He'll likely come off the bench in Miami, manning the 4 and 5 spots when Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside take a seat. Currently, Chris Andersen, Josh McRoberts and Udonis Haslem will also share minutes at those positions, but a deal or two could change that rotation dramatically. Stoudemire's addition gives Riley the luxury to explore some trade scenarios and potentially refine the roster a bit more before training camp (or later at February's trade deadline).

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Trade possibilities aside, Stoudemire seemingly completes the summer's major free-agent shopping. The organization drafted Justise Winslow with the No. 10 overall selection last month, a consensus steal that late in the lottery. Then Miami reached agreements with Wade and point guard Goran Dragic, while swingman Luol Deng picked up a player option to remain with the team next season.

Miami suddenly finds itself in prime position to stage a significant turnaround after winning just 37 games a season ago. Chris Bosh's absence had a lot to do with that outcome, and his return may be more significant than any other acquisition. Now Bosh will have the luxury of easing his way back into action, relying on quality minutes from Stoudemire behind him.

Beyond the on-paper perks, Stoudemire should also be a nice fit in the locker room. He's familiar with Dragic and has plenty of postseason experience from his days with the Suns.

By now, Stoudemire is a complementary player, but that's precisely what Miami needs: a supporting cast that holds its own. Last season's second unit ranked 28th in scoring, with just 26.6 points per contest, according to HoopsStats.com. 

Stoudemire can create his own offense in the post and convert on pick-and-roll (or pick-and-pop) opportunities at an efficient rate. He may have the reputation as an uneven defender, but he still excels at his specialties on the offensive end. That's all the Heat can really ask at this point. 

He'll instantly bring life to Miami's bench—and leadership to its culture.

"We are very fortunate that a proven All-Star like Amar'e has chosen the Miami Heat," Riley said in a statement on Friday. "He is going to bring gravitas, leadership and a hardworking mentality to our team as we look to win another championship in Miami."

What's not to like about an experienced player and all the intangibles that come therewith? So long as Heat fans don't expect Stoudemire to be some kind of savior or restoration project, they should be pleasantly surprised at how well this guy continues to score in what will be his 14th season.

Just when one might have suspected this team would go in a different direction, it is now poised to build upon the foundation Riley put in place last summer, and by later acquiring Dragic via trade. This is a promising core, and it should have some help (and health) this time around. If all goes according to plan, Miami will find itself amid a mix of Eastern Conference contenders, joining a group that currently includes the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks.

To that end, Riley and Co. may not be finished maneuvering just yet.

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Grantland's Zach Lowe reported earlier this week that "Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen are available for nothing, per several league sources, and the Heat have even put out Shabazz Napier feelers with an eye on carving out extra cap room next summer."

Stoudemire certainly seems to make it more likely Andersen finds a new address, and the club probably has enough guard depth to part with either Chalmers or Napier. The organization wouldn't necessarily receive much in return, but cap space is an asset in its own right—especially when you have Riley conducting pitches to free agents. He's put this team in a position to retool on the fly without sacrificing its considerable in-house talent. 

It will be costly, but—in a soft Eastern Conference—it could also be worth it. 

And because of that cost, Stoudemire's cap-friendly deal is especially attractive. It won't affect this summer's bottom line, and—as a one-year pact—it won't burden Miami's checkbook next summer unless the two sides reach another agreement. It's not the offseason's sexiest transaction, but it could be one of the savviest.

One expects nothing less from Riley. Somehow, even without LeBron James, Miami is still a premier free-agent destination. And that should translate into concrete results before long—thanks in large part to the rather quiet addition of Stoudemire.