5 Free-Agent Targets for Miami Heat After NBA Finals Loss

Now that the NBA Finals are over, the NBA offseason can begin.  The Miami Heat clearly need to make a few roster changes during the offseason.  The free-agent class of 2011 is ripe with players who could be the missing pieces for the Heat's championship puzzle.  

Clearly the "Heatles" do not need to acquire a star player this summer.  All they need is perhaps a few upgrades to their role positions in order to give Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh a more complete team.  

Here are five free agents who could be acquired by the Heat in their pursuit of the NBA crown.  

5. Michael Redd

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NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Michael Redd #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Nate Robinson #4 of the New York Knicks on December 19, 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Although it seems that Redd hasn't played a game in years, he's still an option for the Heat for two reasons. 

1) If, IF Redd can get and stay healthy, he can provide scoring off the bench and can shoot the three.

2)  Due to injuries, Redd should be bought at a discount price.  Taking a low-risk investment on a player with Redd's abilities would not hurt Miami financially.  

4. Chuck Hayes

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 20: Chuck Hayes #44 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Ekpe Udoh #20 the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on December 20, 2010 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading a

The Heatles could use a banger down low—someone with toughness and rebounding ability.  Hayes' services can be acquired at a reasonable price as well.  

3. Shannon Brown

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 22: Shannon Brown #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a rebound during the game against the New Orleans Hornets in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the New Orleans Arena on April 22,

Brown is sure to be a hot commodity this summer.  LA will likely attempt to retain him.  However, the Heat can offer him a larger role and probably a better chance at another ring.  

Brown's energy and shooting ability is a great upgrade over Mario Chalmers and Mike Bibby.  

2. Shane Battier

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MEMPHIS, TN - MAY 13: Shane Battier #31 of the Memphis Grizzlies calls a defensive play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 13, 2011 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE

Battier and the Heat make sense.  Battier is seeking a ring and is in the latter years of his career.  He may not have time for the young Grizzlies to develop.  The Heat could use Battier's shooting and experience.  A good fit.  

1. J.R. Smith

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: J.R. Smith #5 of the Denver Nuggets makes a three point over Serge Ibaka #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the final minute of the in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2011 at

It appears that Smith's days in Denver are over.  His scoring punch off the bench could be a huge asset to Miami, whose bench had its share of struggles this season.  

Smith is a large upgrade over Mike Miller and James Jones.