Orlando Magic General Manager John Gabriel did not mince words when asked what having an additional $4 million in salary-cap space would do for the Heat's chances on the NBA's personnel market.

"I think it turbo-charges them, for sure," he said.

Such is the feeling around the league as it resumes business.

Before the holiday, the NBA surprisingly listed Heat guard Anthony Carter as a free agent, meaning he had bypassed exercising a $4.1 million option for 2003-04 on his three-year contract.

"In the first place," Gabriel said, "you're always approaching a club like Miami with the respect and ability to draw top free agents, regardless of space."

The Heat has not commented since it was learned last week that Carter, according to the NBA, no longer is under contract to the team. However, several parties involved in the free-agency process said General Manager Randy Pfund has discussed having about $10 million available below the anticipated team salary ceiling.