NBA Rumors: Miami Heat are pursuing Spencer Hawes
By Sam Richmond
The Miami Heat are interested in signing free agent center Spencer Hawes, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports.
More from Miami Heat
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- 3 reasons the Blazers should trade Damian Lillard to the Heat and 2 reasons they shouldn’t
- 5 former Heat players to sign on veteran minimum deals, ranked
- NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard’s apology, ex-Heat player’s reflection, Darvin Ham bites a Nugget
- 3 potential James Harden suitors not named the Clippers
There’s no doubt that Hawes would be an solid addition for this Miami team. The Heat’s offensive is predicated on outstanding floor spacing and surrounding LeBron James with as many shooters as possible. Hawes represents an asset in both of those respects, as the seven-footer shot an impressive 41.6 percent from three last season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
On top of that, Hawes averaged 13.2 points and 8.3 rebounds; he’s someone that can lighten the Big Three’s scoring load and also give some relief on the glass to a Miami team that ranked dead last in rebounds per game last season.
However, the Heat do not appear to be the favorite to land the big man’s services at this point. That distinction would go to the Portland Trail Blazers.
"The Heat also have Spencer Hawes on their radar, but league sources confirmed that the Portland Trail Blazers secured the first meeting with the free-agent center in Los Angeles early Tuesday. Blazers coach Terry Stotts, a creative offensive tactician, holds strong pull with Hawes."
Also standing in Miami’s way is a reported price tag of $8 million annually for Hawes, courtesy of the LA Times’ Brad Turner.
Hearing Spencer Hawes may be too expensive for Clippers, Seeking $8 million per, made $6.5 million last season
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 1, 2014
Hawes is a solid player, but that’s a price tag Miami might be unwilling to pay, especially given the team is unlikely to have much cap space left after presumably re-signing the Big Three. The center would almost certainly have to take a discount to play in Miami.