NBA Rumors: Miami Heat interested in Leandro Barbosa?
With Ray Allen possibly out the door, whether by way of retirement or to join LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat may have a replacement lined up as Basketball Insiders writer Alex Kennedy reports there is mutual interest between the Heat and free agent combo guard Leandro Barbosa:
There's mutual interest between Leandro Barbosa and the Miami Heat, according to league sources. Don't be surprised if he signs with them.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) August 19, 2014
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When it comes to shooting the three-ball, Barbosa is no Ray, but he may have the sharpshooter beat everywhere else and that may be what sticks out to the Heat front office.
Coming in the help soften the blow of losing Eric Bledsoe to a meniscus injury, Barbosa joined the Phoenix Suns to further an already lengthy career. Appearing in 20 games, the Brazilian blur averaged 7.5 points on 42 percent shooting, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Catching his groove, Barbosa’s season took a turn for the worst following a left hand fracture that prematurely ended his season.
Now playing with Brazil, Barbosa looks to be perfectly healthy and that may have caught the Heat’s eye. In an exhibition game against Team USA, Barbosa looked like himself. He isn’t as fast as he used to be during his heyday, but there’s little reason to believe he can’t be an effective player if given the right role.
Outside of the Miami Heat, it has been reported that several other teams are interested in free agent shooting guard Leandro Barbosa.