Heat linked to ex-Lakers streaky scorer to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo for final roster spot
· Yahoo Sports
Heat linked to ex-Lakers streaky scorer to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo for final roster spot originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Miami Heat are still looking for their final player to fill the last spot on their 15-man roster as training camp is set to begin. The organization is being tactical with its move, wanting to find the best possible option.
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It is believed that the Heat will be looking for a guard to fill that spot. D’Angelo Russell, who has played 11 seasons in the NBA, could become a potential target after being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.
“The Memphis Grizzlies have waived D’Angelo Russell, sources tell ESPN. With Memphis needing to trim its roster, this frees Russell up to potentially land somewhere before the start of the season,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
Russell was likely never going to play for the Grizzlies after he was traded there this summer as part of a six-team trade.
“As part of the elaborate six-team trade, the Washington Wizards are sending D'Angelo Russell, a future second-round pick and a future second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote.
One of the veteran’s goals is to get a deal with a contending team, which Miami is expected to be. Russell had some playoff success with the Los Angeles Lakers during his time there. Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman has linked Russell to the Heat’s final roster spot.
“With roster and cap flexibility, hard to see why D’Angelo Russell wouldn't be worth a shot by the Heat. With the Nick Richards and Myron Gardner contracts, there still would be the ability down the road to add a buyout veteran,” Winderman wrote.
That is going to be something to monitor, as Miami could certainly be open to the idea of getting a deal done with Russell. The only thing is that he has to clear waivers. If another team wants him, they can claim him before anyone else has the opportunity.
The Heat can decide to put him on the main roster or give him a training camp invite to see if he is worthy of the final spot. Russell is a distributor on offense who can also get streaky and score. He would be a valuable depth piece for Miami.
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