Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, sources say the Miami Heat have been given a $4.7 million disabled player exception (DPE), because of the season-ending surgery of big man Meyers Leonard. Miami will have to use the DPE by April 19.
According to Larry Coon, author of the Salary Cap FAQ, a DPE is an “exception [that] allows a team which is over the cap to replace a disabled player who will be out for the remainder of that season. This exception is granted by the league, based on an application from the team and a determination by an NBA-designated physician or Fitness to Play panel…”
Coming hot off the heels of a Finals appearance, the Heat have struggled to retain much of that postseason form and need all the help they can get.
Below are three options for the Heat's DPE.
3. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF/PF
Hollis-Jefferson is only 26-years old and is an athletic, defensive-minded player. He is a good fit for the team's tough, all-business culture and philosophy. The forward can comfortably switch into both smaller and bigger players. He is active on the boards and plays with a lot of hustle. There is much to be desired on the offensive side of the ball, but he has been working on his jumper. To fit in with the Heat's offense, he should be able to extend his range all the way out of the 3-point line, which is something he has been unable to consistently do so far in his career.
His versatility and defense make him an intriguing operation, but he might further hold back an already underwhelming offense.
2. Dewayne Dedmon, C
The big man at his prime possessed two in-demand skills – outside shooting and rim protection. As his career progressed, his shots weren't falling nearly as often. With the Miami offense, he should have more open looks with opposing teams pre-occupied with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Miami's matchups would be too concerned chasing Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson off the three-point line, which should further benefit Dedmon. His spacing makes it possible to play beside Adebayo, similar to how Kelly Olynyk operates.
He can slot in at the five giving Adebayo much-needed rest during games. He did his best work in the 2018-2019 season, where he shot 38.2% from deep and averaged a steal and block per game. His game is not dependent on speed or athleticism, so it shouldn't have aged as bad as it did. If he regains some of his form from that season, then that would be money well spent for the Heat.
1. DeMarcus Cousins, C
No other available player has the upside of Cousins. Unfortunately, no one also comes close to the risks he presents. For most of his career, Cousins has been known also for his attitude problems. He and technical fouls go together like peanut butter and jelly. He's never been considered as an elite defensive player, even back during his prime. Lastly, it looks more and more likely that his body can no longer handle the load of an NBA season.
So, why consider him? Cousins was at one point one of the best centers in the league. He was an automatic double-double in points and rebounds. Through time, he improved his outside shooting. Cousins is an underrated passer, too. Should Cousins have some semblance of even his Golden State Warriors self then that would be enough for the Heat to secure a playoff spot and maybe even more.
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