The Miami Heat are sorting through the available free agents, hoping to making a signing by Friday. The team has an open roster spot after the trade deadline left them one player short. While the team has a wish list of players they would prefer to sign, a rush deal could be made.
The Heat were considered the frontrunners to sign Danny Granger should he become available. The issue is that he is not available right now. After getting traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Philadelphia 76ers, it was assumed that his contract would be bought out immediately. However, the 76ers are shuffling their feet on making the move, leaving every team in a holding period.
ESPN.com is reporting the two sides are still negotiating the terms of Granger's buyout but a timetable has yet to be determined. NBA sources say Granger is still weighing his options about whether or not to remain with Philadelphia or try and get the attention of a contending team. The deadline for Granger is still a few weeks away, leaving the Miami Heat to look elsewhere for help.
With Granger still off the market, ESPN.com's David Aldridge reports Miami is expected to sign Caron Butler who had his contract recently bought out by the Milwaukee Bucks. Miami originally drafted Butler when he first entered the NBA and that familiarity is what could bring him back. In 34 games with the Bucks, Butler averaged 11.0 points and 4.6 rebounds which would make for great production off the Miami bench.
The Heat, Clippers and Spurs are the three teams battling over Butler and Granger. The Heat are taking the first jump and trying to lock down Butler, allowing the Spurs and the Clippers to fight over Granger if he becomes available, which is still a big if.
According to the Miami Herald, many of the Miami Heat players actually prefer signing Butler over Granger in the first place. The forward is apparently very close with Dwyane Wade while Granger is not welcomed in the Heat locker room after LeBron James referred to many of his fouls during the 2012 playoffs as "stupid."
Butler is a quality signing for the Heat. He has certainly moved around a lot in the league, but the veteran can give the team quality minutes when needed. The Clippers and Spurs will just have to be patient on Granger.
