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Three More Candidates For Miami Heat's Final Roster Spot
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- Three More Candidates For Miami Heat's Final Roster Spot
(© IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Miami Heat are just about wrapped up with their offseason moves. They made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by sending four players and picks for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks . The team did lose Norman Powell to the Chicago Bulls in free agency but made multiple signings to build out their depth. In just the last couple of weeks, they signed Klay Thompson and Nick Richards while also bringing in Tim Hardaway Jr. on a one-year deal earlier this offseason. Simone Fontecchio also returns to the rotation on a one-year deal. Now, there is one remaining roster spot available. The Heat could opt to hold that spot open for flexibility purposes for later on this season or they could add someone to fill it. If the latter is the direction they go, here are three options to fill that role:
1. Ochai Agbaji , Brooklyn Nets
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Agbaji, 26, was originally the only restricted free agent included on this list but Brooklyn declined to tender his $8.8 million qualifying offer following a pretty lackluster season. The wing started the season with the Toronto Raptors but had dreadful shooting splits and was dealt to the Nets at the trade deadline. They are one team in the midst of a rebuild and still didn't view Agbaji as part of their future. Since that is the case, the Heat could take advantage and add a player who still has solid potential to this new-look rotation. With Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Powell gone from the team as well, Agbaji could come in and have a sizable role almost immediately even as the 15th option.
2. Dalano Banton , Boston Celtics
Banton, 26, is an intriguing option for the Heat's final roster spot given his unique skill set and versatility. The 6-foot-8 point forward is comfortable handling the ball and running an offense, while his length gives him the ability to be an interesting defensive option on the point of attack. His biggest weakness is his outside shooting, as he has shot just 30.3 percent from three throughout his career. Still, Banton's versatility could make him a worthwhile addition to this new-look Heat rotation, especially with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Powell no longer on the team. He could provide Miami with another ball-handler and a lengthy defensive option while potentially taking on a larger role than a typical 15th-man would.
3. Julian Reese , Washington Wizards
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Reese, 23, is an option after displaying he can be a legitimate presence on the glass. The forward signed a two-way deal with the Wizards late last season and averaged a double-double of 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds across 13 games, including 10 starts. Washington moved him to Denver in the multi-team trade that landed Tre Mann before the Nuggets released him from his two-way contract shortly after. Miami could use another physical frontcourt presence, and Reese could provide valuable rebounding and energy.
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