Josh Christopher, a free agency guard, has agreed to a two-way contract with the Heat, the team said. Miami waived youngster Zyon Pullin, who was not selected, to make room for him on the two-way roster.
Before being dealt to Memphis last summer, Christopher, a former first-round pick (24th overall in 2021), played his first two NBA seasons with Houston. In late September, the Grizzlies finally terminated Christopher and his guaranteed contract for 2023–24, so declining his fourth-year team option for 2024–25.
After gaining traction with the Jazz, Christopher played on a two-way contract with Utah for a few months before being cut in January. Having spent the season between the Salt Lake City Stars, Utah’s NBA G League affiliate, and the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Miami’s affiliate, he did not play in an NBA game last season.
The 22-year-old is receiving compensation for his outstanding play during the Las Vegas Summer League, when the Heat upset Memphis to win the championship in overtime. Christopher scored a team-high 24 points, including six three-pointers, to win the MVP award in the championship game. In addition, he contributed two blocks, three steals, four rebounds, and one assist.
In his six Vegas games, Christopher averaged 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.0 steals while shooting.541/.525/.1.000 (25.9 MPG).
Regarding Pullin, the 23-year-old point guard didn’t get much playing time (11.9 MPG), although he did display some glimpses during Summer League. If he clears waivers, the former Florida and UC-Riverside star will become an unrestricted free agent in a few days.
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