View Caption Hide Caption Mike Dunleavy could help the Heat's lack of depth at small forward. (Getty Images)

As he approaches his 35th birthday, how much does Mike Dunleavy have left? The Heat might want to explore that.



Dunleavy, a 13-year veteran, hits free agency July 1 after a productive year starting at small forward for the Chicago Bulls. He made $3 million last season, making him an affordable option for the Heat.

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Maybe Dunleavy has too much left, though, to accept a reserve role, which is what Miami would be selling him on if Luol Deng stays. Deng has a player option for $10.2 million next season and has until the end of the month to exercise it.

Dunleavy was reasonably healthy last season and started 63 games for the Bulls. He averaged 9.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while still playing above-average defense. He also shot 43.5 percent from the field and 40.7 percent on 3s. The Heat have not had a long-range shooter that good since 2012-13.

In the playoffs last season, Dunleavy gave Chicago 10.9 points, four rebounds and 2.6 assists in 32.4 minutes per game. He drilled 48.2 percent of his 3s.

As it stands, the only small forwards currently expected to be on the Heat roster next season are Deng and James Ennis. Miami also seems to be in the mix for a small forward with the No. 10 pick in this month’s draft.