The Miami Heat have already made a major splash this summer, landing Giannis Antetokounmpo and then following that up with key free-agent additions to deepen the roster. Even with that work done, one spot still sits open, and the buzz around Miami’s next move keeps growing.
Most of the early chatter has centered on veteran point guards, with D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent among the names getting attention. But Devin Carter has now entered the conversation as a possible fit for the Heat.
Carter, who was recently waived by the Atlanta Hawks after coming over from the Sacramento Kings, has drawn interest elsewhere too, including from the Boston Celtics. Still, Heat insider Ira Winderman suggested Miami could make sense for him when he answered a fan question on The Sun Sentinel’s “Ask Ira.”
“Yes, it would, considering how the Heat have long brought in sons of those who have been with the organization or those whose parents have had ties with the organization. The Heat have both the salary-cap and roster-space wherewithal to make a move for the son of former Heat guard and assistant coach Anthony Carter.”
That family connection is obvious. Devin Carter is the son of Anthony Carter, who spent the first four years of his career in Miami. But Winderman also raised the bigger issue hovering over any potential pursuit: why have two teams already moved on from a player taken No. 13 in the 2024 draft?
“The question is, why have both the Kings and Hawks both given up on Devin, the No. 13 pick in the 2024 draft, who is only 24? That is where the background on those shoulder, ankle, calf, and back injuries will come into play. Devin certainly stood as enticing in the 2024 draft coming out of Providence.”
That injury history has been the real roadblock. Carter’s stock was strong after his junior season at Providence, when he put up 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. But the NBA version of his career has been far less smooth.
In Sacramento, Carter managed only 36 games in his rookie season and 38 in his sophomore year before his stint with the Kings ended. Across that stretch, he averaged 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.7 steals per game. That’s a thin return for a lottery pick.
Even so, there are reasons Miami would at least look. Carter brings scoring ability, and he also plays with the kind of edge the Heat tend to value on defense. He’s a feisty on-ball defender who showed plenty of hustle in limited action, and that profile can still matter in Miami.
He could make sense as a backup option behind Davion Mitchell, but the timing may not be right. Winderman pointed out that the Heat would have enough cap space to sign multiple buyout players later while staying under the cap, which gives the team room to wait. For now, that makes it more likely Miami keeps the 15th roster spot open rather than rushing into a deal for Carter before the season starts.
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