South Florida

Heat Sign Derrick Walton Jr. and Matt Williams

The Heat added some depth on Monday with the signings of Derrick Walton Jr and Matt Williams

The Miami Heat added depth to the organization with the signings of Derrick Walton Jr. and Matt Williams on Monday.

Both players caught Miami's attention during the recent NBA Summer League and will now have an opportunity to make Miami's roster. It is likely that both men will open the season in the G League, but could easily see a promotion during the season.

Walton's deal is a two-way contract, meaning the Heat can retain his services as a 16th or 17th man on the roster. As part of this new contract type, a player is limited to a maximum of 45 days on the team's NBA roster. There is no minimum and there is no requirement that player plays one game in the NBA. This type of contract offers flexibility to both the team and the player.

Williams is on a standard contract, but Miami will have the option to change that into a two-way deal as well. Depending on other moves made this off-season, the Heat may need to go that route, in order to maximize roster space. An NBA team can only have 15 standard active contracts, in addition to the new pair of two-way contracts.

In the NBA Summer League, Walton averaged ten points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds while playing 20.5 minutes per game. The guard shot 50 percent on his three-point tries as well, in what was his first professional action. Walton went undrafted out of Michigan in the 2017 NBA draft.

Williams played in eight games in the Summer League and averaged 9.9 points and 2.6 rebounds. The guard went to the University of South Florida, where he became the school's record holder for three-pointers made with 274.

In previous seasons, Miami has dipped into the developmental league early and often for players. Whether it be injuries or lack of production at the NBA-level, Miami relies on the G League and will likely be in the same situation again. Having players like Walton and Williams available at a moment's notice, is a great luxury for head coach Erik Spoelstra.

Miami's preseason will get underway in October.

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