Apparently youth will be served by the Heat — at least when it comes to salary commitments.
Friday, well in advance of the league’s Oct. 31 deadline, the Heat announced it had exercised the fourth-year rookie-scale option on guard Dorell Wright and the third-year rookie scale option on forward Wayne Simien.
Wright, who is entering his third season, is now under contract to the Heat at least through 2007-08. By picking up the option, the Heat can either lock up Wright to a long-term extension next summer or deal with him as a restricted free agent in the 2008 offseason.
Simien, who is entering his second season, also is now under contract through 2007-08. The Heat will have a similar one-year option on Simien next summer to guarantee his deal through 2008-09.
Neither of Friday’s moves impact the Heat’s salary cap or luxury tax for the coming season. Wright, 20, will now earn approximately $2 million in 2007-08, while Simien, 23, will earn approximately $1 million for that season.
Despite each being locked up for an additional season, playing time figures to remain in short supply over the short run.
The Heat not only returns its championship starting lineup of Shaquille O’Neal, Udonis Haslem, Antoine Walker, Dwyane Wade and Jason Williams, but in the offseason locked in the return of top bench contributors James Posey, Alonzo Mourning and Gary Payton.
After appearing in only 23 games last season, Wright could contend for the minutes given last season to veteran guard Derek Anderson, who was waived earlier this week. Simien, who appeared in 43 games last season as a rookie, could have a more difficult time finding action in a power rotation that also features O’Neal, Mourning, Haslem, Michael Doleac, Earl Barron and sometimes Walker.
Wright was taken with the No. 19 pick in the 2004 draft and Simien with the No. 29 selection in 2005.
Both options were due this year because the new collective-bargaining agreement reduced the number of guaranteed seasons for first-round picks from three to two.
Friday’s moves leave the Heat with nine players already under contract for 2007-08: O’Neal, Mourning, Doleac, Haslem, Walker, Wade, Williams, Wright and Simien. Posey is expected to sign an extension and push that figure to 10.
Ira Winderman can be reached at .
