Rashard Lewis leaves Miami Heat to sign with Dallas Mavericks
After losing forward LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat have focused, the Miami Heat replaced him with former Chicago Bulls and Cavaliers’ forward Luol Deng and have looked to retain their own free agents.
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They have re-signed big man Chris Bosh, guard Dwyane Wade, point guard Mario Chalmers and center Chris “Birdman” Andersen.
They will not, however, be bringing back forward Rashard Lewis. He has agreed to a one-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks that is believed to be worth the veteran’s minimum.
“Rashard made a difficult decision to join Dallas after two memorable seasons in Miami,” [Lewis’ agent Colin] Bryant told Yahoo Sports. “He would like to thank [Heat owners] Micky Arison, [executives] Pat Riley, Andy Elisburg and the entire Heat organization. He will always consider them family and champions.
“After talking to [Mavericks owner] Mark Cuban and coach Rick Carlisle, he felt a comfort level with the Mavericks. He’s excited to join another championship organization.”
Last season, Lewis averaged 4.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 41.5% from the field, 34.3% from beyond the arc and 78.8% from the free throw line. He played 16.2 minutes per game in 60 games. In the postseason, he had an expanded role, playing 17.7 minutes per game in 18 games. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. He shot 41.2% from the floor, 37.3% from three and 75.0% from the charity stripe.
The 34-year old Lewis, who will turn 35 in August, is entering his 17th NBA season. He entered the NBA straight out of high school and was chosen by the Seattle Supersonics (Oklahoma City Thunder) with the 34th-overall pick in the second round of the 1998 NBA Draft. He has played for the Sonics, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards and Heat.