After re-signing key contributors, the Miami Heat are currently 19-17 to begin the 2017-18 NBA season. As head coach Erik Spoelstra has dealt with numerous players being injured, it appears they will be signing some help.
According to Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports, the Heat are planning to sign Derrick Jones Jr. on a two-way contract:
The Miami Heat plan to sign former Suns forward Derrick Jones Jr. on a two-way NBA contract, league sources say.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 31, 2017
As a result, the Heat will waive Matt Williams Jr. according to Ira Winderman of South Florida Sun Sentinel:
Miami Heat will waive Matt Williams Jr. to clear a roster spot, the Sun Sentinel has learned.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 31, 2017
Jones Jr., who last played for the Phoenix Suns, is averaging 4.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 38 NBA games. Originally undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, the second-year forward participated in the 2017 NBA Slam Dunk Contest where he ultimately lost to Glen Robinson III in the final round.
As the Heat reach the midpoint of the season, it will be interesting to see if they attempt to shed some long-term salaries with the February trade deadline approaching. While Miami has rewarded players for their inspiring play during the 2016-17 season, being in the middle of the pack does not bode well for President Pat Riley.
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