Beno Udrih has no assurances of playing time despite re-signing with the Heat, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports. Udrih gives the club a natural point guard behind starter Goran Dragic, but combo guards Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson will also see action at that position, Jackson continues. Udrih signed a one-year guaranteed deal at the veteran’s minimum of $1.4MM. Udrih had a standing offer from the Heat for more than a month, sources told Jackson, and turned down some other options because of his comfort level with the organization.
In other news around the Eastern Conference:
- Free agent J.R. Smith doesn’t appear to be close to signing a contract, according to Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Cavs’ shooting guard is deferring all questions about his free agency to agent Rich Paul. Smith is expected to rejoin Cleveland and is believed to be seeking a multi-year deal worth approximately $15MM per season, Fedor continues. There’s been little interest from other teams because of Smith’s past antics, Fedor adds.
- The Sixers will play three nationally televised games, and coach Brett Brown believes that’s a sign of progress, Brian Seltzer of Sixers.com reports. Philadelphia hasn’t had a game broadcast nationally since the 2012/13 season. “It’s really I think a statement to the way the public views our young, exciting team,” Brown said in a podcast on the team’s website.
- Caron Butler would be interested in signing with the Knicks, tweets Anthony Donahue of SNY. During an appearance on Donahue’s “33rd and 7th” podcast, Butler said he likes the moves that New York made during the offseason. Butler, 36, spent last season with the Kings and appeared in just 17 games.
Arthur Hill contributed to this post.
Butler would be another excellent addition for the Knicks.
No matter what Miami reporters keep saying, there’s simply not enough playing time for Goran Dragic, Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, Dion Waiters, and Wayne Ellington. Then add Ben Udrih. And don’t forget about Briante Weber, who has game.
Meanwhile, the only competent center they have is Hassan Whiteside. We know he’s not the most responsible individual. Behind him is Willie Reed, and that’s it. Chris Bosh presents a huge challenge in the frontcourt. There’s only a bunch of wannabes behind him.
In two years, both Goran Dragic and Tyler Johnson will both be making $20M/yr. Whiteside will be ;pulling down $24M that year, and Bosh $27M.
I think Goran Dragic is outta there if Riley can get a big man in return.
The Kings needs a point guard desperately and just drafted two young centers when they already have two on the roster.
I’ll bet the Kings are offering Rudy Gay for Goran Dragic, straight up. The Heat counter with Goran for Gay and Willie Cauley Stein. The Kings then want Justise Winslow in return. Heat hang up.
Before they do, though, Pat Riley makes a stab at DeMarcus Cousins–offering Goran Dragic and Chris Bosh. Kings, again, ask for Justise Winslow in that.
Riley scoffs and tells Vlade that the Heat can get Jahlil Okafor for Justise Winslow if they wanted to move him. But they don’t. It’s like when they traded Lamar Odom and Caron Butler for Shaquille O’Neal–Dwyane Wade was not going to be included.
I think Riley is salivating over a combination of Justise Winslow and Demarcus Cousins. If the Kings wait until summer 16 signees can be moved, I wanted be surprised at Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and Whiteside for Cousins.and Georgis Papagiannis.