Reaching a three-year agreement with 32-year-old center Jonas Valanciunas seems like an odd move for a rebuilding team. So why did the Wizards do it? As Josh Robbins and William Guillory of The Athletic see it, Valanciunas’ presence will allow second overall draft pick Alex Sarr to develop at a slow and steady pace. Sarr needs to add bulk and muscle to his seven-foot frame and … [Read more...] about Southeast Notes: Valanciunas, Salaun, Simpson, Wagner, Heat
Heat Sign Kel’el Ware To Rookie Scale Contract
The Heat have officially signed first-round pick Kel’el Ware to his rookie scale contract, the team announced today in a press release. Ware becomes the first player selected in the 2024 draft to formally sign his first NBA contract. Considered one of the top centers in this year’s rookie class, Ware transferred to Indiana a year ago after spending his freshman year at Oregon. … [Read more...] about Heat Sign Kel’el Ware To Rookie Scale Contract
Heat Re-Sign Dru Smith To Two-Way Contract
The Heat have re-signed guard Dru Smith to a two-way contract, the team announced today in a press release. Smith, who began last season on Miami’s 15-man roster, appeared in just nine games before a major ACL injury cut his season short and led to his eventual release. Smith suffered that injury in Cleveland when he fell awkwardly into the bench area, prompting the Heat to … [Read more...] about Heat Re-Sign Dru Smith To Two-Way Contract
Heat To Re-Sign Kevin Love To Two-Year Deal
The Heat and big man Kevin Love have agreed to a new deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). Love will sign a two-year contract worth over $8MM, sources tell Charania. The agreement doesn’t include an option year, tweets Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel. A minimum-salary contract for Love would be worth in the neighborhood of $7MM, so it … [Read more...] about Heat To Re-Sign Kevin Love To Two-Year Deal
Caleb Martin May Be Leaving Heat
The Heat are unlikely to be able to re-sign free agent forward Caleb Martin, a source tells Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. Martin, who declined his $7.13MM player option on Saturday, may get offers for the full $12.9MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception, Chiang adds. Re-signing him would mean second-apron status for Miami, which may now prioritize keeping Haywood Highsmith. … [Read more...] about Caleb Martin May Be Leaving Heat