The Heat, now armed with $11 million, is a major player in the free-agent market, and guard Anthony Carter is a free agent as the result of a mind-boggling set of circumstances.

The offshoot of what might turn out to be a simple $4.1 million clerical error could be a boon to the Heat, with free agents such as New Orleans forward P.J. Brown, Indiana center Brad Miller and Houston forward James Posey now in the picture.

"Those guys certainly have interest in the Heat," said agent Mark Bartelstein, who represents all three players.

Carter, 28, coming off his fourth NBA season, had until June 30 to inform the Heat of his intention to renew the final year of his contract, which would have paid him a $4.1 million salary.

But the Heat confirmed Friday neither Carter nor his agent responded to the so-called "opt in" clause by Monday's deadline. That means it becomes an "opt out" clause with the team holding the option of whether it wants Carter to return.

Contacting the team to enact such an "opt in" clause usually is handled by a player's agent.

Carter's agent, Bill Duffy, whose clients include Yao Ming, Steve Nash, Michael Olowokandi, Terrell Brandon, Drew Gooden, Jay Williams and Antonio Davis, among others, didn't return telephone messages.