The Heat are talking to free agent forward Dorell Wright, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, but have not made an offer. If Wright agrees to a minimum deal in Miami, Jackson believes he would become the favorite for the final roster spot, ahead of James Ennis, whose $845K contract is not guaranteed until opening night. Wright, 29, spent his first six NBA seasons with the Heat and is reportedly interested in returning, although he is also talking to other teams. He played last year with the Trail Blazers, averaging 4.6 points in 48 games.
There’s more this morning out of Miami:
- Mario Chalmers is trying to remain calm as trade winds swirl around him, writes Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel. Chalmers has spent his entire seven-year career in Miami, but there has been talk that he and his $4.3MM salary could be moved to lessen the Heat’s luxury tax penalties. Recent speculation has him possibly going to the Lakers as a reserve shooting guard or to the Sixers as a short-term point guard, according to Winderman. “I haven’t spoken to anybody,” Chalmers said. “When I had my exit meeting with [team president] Pat [Riley], he said the only way he would trade me was if he had to.”
- Justise Winslow plans to use his drop in the draft as inspiration, Winderman writes in a separate story. Winslow surprisingly slipped to the 10th pick after being projected as a possible top five selection. He is currently going through the NBA’s “Generation Next” program, which helps players under age 20 transition to the league. “When the draft was over, it is what it is,” Winslow said of being picked 10th. “That’s the way I feel about it. But, for me, I use that at motivation.”
It would be surprising if Chalmers is not moved before training camp. The Heat have been trying to shed salary since they re-signed Dragic and Wade.
I think it’s more likely Chalmers would be moved at midseason. There will be a better trade market once injuries start happening, and the tax is calculated based only on the roster as it stands on the final day of the regular season.
Would love to have either Mike Miller or Dorell Wright back for that final roster spot, but not at the expense of Ennis. I’m looking at Rio and McRoberts