Miami

Heat Add Depth With Signing of Gerald Green

The Miami Heat signed free-agent Gerald Green on Thursday to improve the rotation

The Miami Heat came to terms with swingman Gerald Green on Thursday and will pay him the league minimum.

Green addresses a need for depth in Miami. Last season, the Heat were forced to turn to the NBA developmental league multiple times due to injuries. Green will give the Heat a veteran presence, and will also allow them to better develop their younger talent.

Perhaps factoring into the decision to add Green was the presence of Goran Dragic. The two players were teammates with the Phoenix Suns for parts of two seasons. Dragic officially signed his new contract with Miami on Thursday, which was the first official day that contracts could be signed.

Green can fill in at forward and guard which could make things easier for Miami in terms of trading other pieces. While the Heat have enjoyed contributions from Chris Andersen and Mario Chalmers in the past at times, the team may opt to go in a different direction. Shedding the contracts of the two veterans would ease Miami's luxury tax bill.

The Heat could also look to find a taker for Josh McRoberts' contract, though that effort may prove futile. McRoberts missed most of last season, and it remains to be seen if he can return to form. The forward has two more guaranteed years and a player option in 2017-18 remaining on his deal.

Miami is sure to be kept busy in the days ahead, with free-agent Amare Stoudemire reportedly one possible option.

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