The Miami Heat still have one roster spot to sort out, and the front office appears to be keeping its options open while it looks for another veteran guard.
So far, Miami has already added Giannis Antetokounmpo and Klay Thompson, and the next move is expected to come with an eye toward experience. Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney reported that the Heat have considered veteran backups Gabe Vincent and Cam Payne, though the preference is for someone with more upside.
“The Heat have weighed the likes of veteran backups Gabe Vincent and Cam Payne, but would prefer to find someone with a better upside. They do need a placeholder for that spot, though," Heavy.com's Sean Deveney wrote.
A name that has surfaced is D’Angelo Russell. Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman brought him up as a possible target, while noting Miami could simply wait and preserve flexibility for later.
“There also is something to be said about running with what you have at the moment, while still having a salary slot/roster spot available for a rainy day. Then it becomes about when to pounce, be it on D’Angelo Russell potentially coming free before camp or waiting for something bigger down the road,” Winderman wrote.
Russell is currently with the Memphis Grizzlies, but his situation appears unsettled because of their roster crunch. Heavy.com’s Justin Grasso wrote that a release is expected to be worked out sometime this offseason.
“The two parties are expected to work on a resolution at “some point this offseason.” In an ideal situation for the Grizzlies, they cut ties with Russell via trade, as they would be able to get something in return.
But if all else fails, the Grizzlies just might end up waiving Russell as a follow-up move to a buyout agreement. The ex-Laker could be a free agent sometime soon,” Heavy.com’s Justin Grasso wrote.
Russell has bounced around the league, but he was a key piece for the Los Angeles Lakers a few years ago. If he does become available, he would give Miami another veteran option behind Davion Mitchell and add depth to the backcourt.
For now, the Heat are still searching for the right fit. If Russell hits the market, Miami may decide he’s the veteran guard worth waiting for.
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