The Miami Heat have some final roster decisions to make after acquiring Josh Christopher to a two-way contract and dismissing Zyon Pullin.
Dru Smith, Keshad Johnson, and Christopher are the current two-way players for the Heat. Smith’s position is more vulnerable than Christopher and Johnson’s, who seem secure in their positions for the time being.
Decisions have been taken by the Miami Heat regarding two of their two-way contracts. Who is vying for the third place?
Smith hasn’t participated in a game since rupturing his ACL on November 22 in Cleveland. Prior to suffering the season-ending injury, Smith showed promise during training camp and the first few games of the previous campaign. In March, he was finally dismissed to provide space for Patty Mills to sign.
Although Smith received a two-way offer from the Heat this summer, he did not take part in Las Vegas Summer League because he is still recovering from his injuries. Although Miami obviously loves Smith, he might have competition from a few summer league players for the final two-way roster position.
Isaiah Stevens is a darling in the locker room after leading the summer league in assists, but because he already has an Exhibit 10 deal, which is effectively an invitation to training camp, the Heat are not in a hurry to sign him to a two-way contract. Stevens cannot accept a deal from an outside team because he is theoretically bound by a contract. Hence, there is no chance of his leaving the Heat.
Cole Swider and Alondes Williams, who were on two-way contracts at the end of the previous season, are unrestricted free agents, thus this is not the situation with them. Swider was one of the top 3-point shooters in the summer league, and Williams led the Heat’s offensive in the game that won the championship against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Heat have dedicated time to Swider and Williams, just like they did with Smith, so it would make sense if they choose to bring them back on two-way contracts. Swider and Williams would be happy to return to Miami if they are unable to get a regular roster spot elsewhere.
The Heat are unable to give a regular roster space because they wish to avoid paying salary throughout the second luxury tax period by signing a 15th player to a veteran minimum.
Two-way contracts do not affect the salary cap or luxury tax, hence they can be changed out at any moment, unlike conventional roster positions.
It’s not necessary for the Heat to decide right now. Before deciding who gets to start both ways in the lineup before the regular season begins, they can wait until training camp to find out more about which players stand out.
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