Q: I’m a bit frightened our “run it again” mentality will flip into the 12 months after the Finals, once we bought swept by the Bucks. We tried to patch the 4 spot with an undersized Moe Harkless, the identical means it appears we’re going to attempt the identical with Caleb Martin. Even when Caleb is our starter, we’ve got no backup 4, both. Wouldn’t Haywood Highsmith’s contract be higher served as a two-way, in order that it opens up a roster spot for say a Blake Griffin? – Sylvester, Philadelphia.
A: The Haywood Highsmith component is one I raised throughout summer season league. The issue is the best way that Haywood’s contract is structured, one other staff can declare him off waivers on the NBA-minimum scale whereas additionally not having to fret about guaranteeing his contract. So, principally, it will be unlikely he would clear waivers, which might be a required transfer if the Warmth would wish to (and Highsmith would acquiesce to) make the shift to a two-way. However there are different avenues to including a veteran presence at energy ahead, be it a Blake Griffin or Markieff Morris or one other participant nonetheless unsigned. Foremost can be using the roster spot in any other case to be taken by Udonis Haslem. After all, the Warmth additionally may merely play Haslem, who’s an influence ahead. Past that, the Warmth do retain the choice of including a fifteenth participant now at energy ahead after which working later to get under the luxurious tax at season’s finish. Or it merely might be that the entrance workplace is snug with the pool of Martin and Highsmith, in addition to different outsized or undersized lineups, within the energy rotation. And keep in mind, if the Warmth ship out extra gamers in a commerce than they convey in, a roster spot would then be opened for such an extra signing of an influence ahead.
Q: Ira, if Pat Riley can’t discover one other celebrity at a cut price worth, or make a commerce for somebody like Harrison Barnes or Gordon Hayward by the buying and selling deadline, the very best transfer is perhaps to focus on a participant like Kevin Love after a buyout. – Gabe, Miami.
A: First, the Cavaliers, who plan to be within the playoff race, may not essentially be sellers. However, to the conundrum raised within the query above, an addition on the buyout deadline may additionally present a solution. That, nonetheless, can be taking a decidedly lengthy view, contemplating such strikes usually don’t come till late February or March.
Q: Carry Hassan Whiteside again. He has matured. – Shane.
A: Whereas that actually has turn into a sound place, the Warmth hardly are in place to signal one other middle, with Dewayne Dedmon re-signed and with the developmental prospects of Omer Yurtseven. Oftentimes it comes down to groups desirous to attempt one thing new. At 33 (sure, he’s that previous), Hassan Whiteside may merely have aged out.
