Michael Finley, who was released by the Mavericks on Monday night, reportedly has expressed interest in playing for the Heat. But Miami will face heavy competition from San Antonio, Phoenix, Houston, Detroit and Denver, among others. Under the amnesty rule, Dallas must pay Finley the final $51.8 million of his contract, but that won't count against the luxury tax.

Finley, 32, averaged 15.7 points last season.

Miami can offer free agents all or part of its $5 million exception, or the veteran's minimum, which tops out at $1.1 million. The Heat likely won't use its exception until it gets an answer from Finley. Players waived must wait a week before signing.

Miami can offer free agent point guard Damon Jones as much as a 20 percent raise over last year's $2.5 million salary without cutting into its exception. Though Jones continues to weigh overtures from Cleveland, he told associates in the past week that he remains interested in returning to the Heat.