Miami Heat rumors: No longer interested in Marvin Williams

Feb 8, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Miami Heat small forward Shane Battier (31) defends against Utah Jazz power forward Marvin Williams (2) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Miami Heat small forward Shane Battier (31) defends against Utah Jazz power forward Marvin Williams (2) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the Miami Heat showed interest in Marvin Williams, it was a little odd considering he wasn’t the type of talent LeBron James was demanding when he allegedly requested the Heat improve their roster for the upcoming season. That’s not to say Williams is a dud by any stretch, but he’s nothing more than a solid bench player on his best day.

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Despite that, the Miami Heat were interested as both Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra flew to North Carolina where they met with the former Tar Heel. There wasn’t much indication about how the meeting went, but there appeared to be a change of heart from the Miami Heat brass as just a few days later they agreed to terms with Josh McRoberts, formerly of the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets.

Such a deal all but ended their pursuit of Marvin Williams, this according to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders.

With a relatively thin small forward market, Williams has shockingly been in relatively heavy demand as teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers have all expressed interest.

Given all of those teams can offer equal to or likely more cash than the Miami Heat, who are down to their small exceptions, Williams understandably will likely look elsewhere.

It’s not exactly a bad trade off for the Miami Heat considering that McRoberts is a better and more versatile talent than Williams, though the Heat will still need to figure out a way to better their bench.