The Miami Heat made one minor trade before the Feb. 20 deadline to possibly set themselves up for a bigger signing. The team has a habit of making more moves on the free agent market midway through the season over completing blockbuster deals. With a roster spot to fill, the defending champs are ready to sign some depth in order to make one final push for their third-straight title.
The Miami Heat are targeting several players in the next few weeks. Yahoo! Sports reports that both Danny Granger and Shannon Brown are favorites to land a spot with team once the March 1 deadline comes. Miami made a similar move last season when they signed Chris Andersen at the deadline. He became a crucial piece to the playoff puzzle. Now the team is in need of shooters with Dwyane Wade in and out of the lineup.
Brown was with the San Antonio Spurs on a 10-day deal. His most productive seasons came in Phoenix from 2011-13, but most teams believe that with the right role, he can resume being a productive and athletic threat. During his 10-game stint with the Spurs, he put up 2.3 points in 10.3 minutes per game.
Granger is the better option on this one, but it is not clear if he is available just yet. After being traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Philadelphia 76ers, it was assumed that Granger's contract would be bought out immediately. However, the team is having Granger take a physical, but Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that will not change the team's intentions to eventually release him before the deadline.
Philadelphia has no reason to keep Granger around. The team is not in contention to make the playoffs in the final 26 games. According to Philly.com, the forward has already expressed interest in a buyout since it is clear he does not have a role with the team and will not re-sign in the offseason.
Most teams looking to be buyers in the next few weeks are being patient to see which players hit the market. If Granger is available, he is the top target for the Miami Heat and possibly the San Antonio Spurs. Other players like Beno Udrih, Antawn Jamison and Metta World Peace could sign afterwards.
