Veterans wing Tim Hardaway Jr always hoped to get a chance to play for Heat ever, and he says it was an “easy” decision to sign a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the team this summer when the opportunity arose, writes Anthony Chung of The Miami Herald.
Hall of Fame running back Hardaway’s father Tim Hardaway Srafter six years with the franchise from 1995 to 2000, he was retired by the Heat. The younger Hardaway spent most of his childhood in Miami, Chan notes, and is happy to be back in a place he considers home.
“It’s wonderful” Hardaway Jr. said.I no longer have to collect a lot of stuff to get back to my respected city to play for. I sleep in my bed. I don’t have to worry about getting my dogs used to new kennels and all that in new cities. And these are familiar faces I’ve seen since my father was trafficked here. So, for the most part, that’s what matters most to me. Familiarity and comfort.”
Here’s more on Heat:
- Although Mavericks rejected trade requests Kyrie Irving Opposing teams continue to monitor the situation this offseason and will be interested to see if Dallas changes its position before the end of February, Marc Stein reported at the end of August. The Heat are one team that was loosely connected to the nine-time All-Star, though he not viewable as a realistic trade target for Miami at this point. Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel explores why Irving’s name keeps popping up in connection with the Heat, noting that the 34-year-old would seemingly be a great fit on the court alongside Janice Antecumba and Bam Adebayo. However, Winderman reiterates that the Heat likely don’t have the kind of contracts or draft assets the Mavericks would like.
- Heat signed and refused former lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr on Thursday night so he could earn a bonus to play for their G League team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Head coach Erik Spoelstra talked about transactions after Friday practice, according to Winderman. “We like Dennis,” Spoelstra said. “It is clear that we have invested in its development. We think he also helps our development in Sioux Falls with the guys by having an experienced quarterback there. But we know he still wants to get back in the league and we want to try to help. We’re hoping it can really be a symbiotic relationship where he helps us develop the young guys by playing the right way, setting guys up and making the game easier for them. I hope we will be able to realize his dream.”
- In a mail bag, Winderman consider what type of role Myron Gardner possibly this season, and one wonders if the Heat will be considered longer Nick Richards during the preseason after the 28-year-old center averaged just 12.5 minutes per game in his first two exhibition contests. Gardner’s salary is partially guaranteed at $500K, while veteran Richards’ minimum deal is currently non-guaranteed but will be fully guaranteed if he makes the roster.
