Report: Heat, Kyle Lowry have mutual interest

Hey, did you know that the Big Three of the Miami Heat can all opt out of their contracts this summer and become free agents, and that they may not be willing to take pay cuts to stay together if the franchise doesn't give them some help?

If not, we apologize. You clearly selected the wrong sport on theScore app. Because it's been unavoidable for most of the season and especially since the NBA Finals ended on Sunday.

In any case, speculation has now begun as to who the Heat could turn to for additional support around LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Carmelo Anthony? He's a bit of a pipe dream, and maybe an ill-fitting one at that.

But the Heat need improved guard play, and Kyle Lowry is an unrestricted free agent, coming off the best season of his career, a gutty playoff performance and, while he's due for a raise, he'll likely command far less than the maximum, which a name like Anthony could negotiate elsewhere. Lowry made $6.2 million last season as he rolled to career-high averages of 17.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.4 assists.

Well, the Heat are interested, as they should be. That interest is said to be mutual, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, who is clearly set on breaking the hearts of Toronto Raptors fans. He did call it a long shot, however.

It's early in the process, and the Raptors have been clear that they would like to retain Lowry, who could be looking for fair market value instead of a ring. He's earned just $28.8 million over his eight NBA seasons and at age 28 still has ample time to chase a ring.

[Dap: RR]