Miami Heat sign Shabazz Napier

Former Connecticut standout Shabazz Napier was traded to the Miami Heat from the Charlotte Hornets on draft day and now he has signed his first NBA contract.

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On Friday night, the Heat announced that Napier has agreed to his rookie deal just three days before his 23rd birthday.

Terms of the deal were not announced.

“Shabazz is a proven winner and one of the most mature college players that I have ever met,” said Heat President Pat Riley in a statement.

“Not only did he help lead UConn to two NCAA Championships, but he also knows exactly what he needs to do to make an impact at the NBA level. I believe the experience he had during the Summer League is going to payoff in leaps and bounds when training camp begins.”

Last season, Napier averaged 18.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.83 steals and 35.1 minutes per game.

The Heat are hoping that Napier will help to boost the depth of their backcourt as they prepare to begin life without LeBron James.