The Miami Heat added another player to their roster for a bargain, as the defending champions keep strengthening for the upcoming season.
Rashard Lewis agreed to a two-year $2.8 million deal, according to ESPN.com. Lewis, like Ray Allen before him, could have earned more money elsewhere, but was reportedly sold on the idea of playing with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh as the Heat look to add another title.
Lewis and his representatives met with Heat president Pat Riley on Sunday in Miami, with sources indicating the talks had gone "very well". Lewis' agent Tony Dutt said his client agreed to join the Heat on Tuesday and is expected to sign the contract on Wednesday, when the league-wide moratorium is lifted.
"That's not a team they are building down there," an Eastern Conference executive told the Sports Illustrated. "That's a juggernaut."
Lewis, 32, becomes the second-high-profile signing by the Heat after Allen rejected a bigger contract from the Celtics to move to Miami. Lewis became the Heat's top priority, after Marcus Camby agreed to a sign-and-trade deal to move to the New York Knicks from the Houston Rockets.
Lewis' signing further strengthens the Heat, who with sound moves in the free agent market are looking like an even more formidable team than last year; a daunting prospect for all their opponents.
"You can't help off of Allen," a scout said. "He is going to be lethal on those drive-and-kicks and is going to make James and Wade so hard to guard."
Lewis agreed to a $13.7 million buyout from the New Orleans Hornets after they traded for him last month. The former All-Star struggled last season with injuries and averaged only 7.8 points in 28 games for the Washington Wizards.
Once Lewis and Allen sign, the Heat will have 13 players in their roster, including Mike Miller, who still hasn't decided about his future.
With the other two spots, the Heat will now look to bring in a big man and a guard with the likely possibilities in the latter position being John Lucas III or Terrel Harris.
Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade posted his current situation on Twitter after undergoing a successful 20-minute arthroscopic procedure on his left knee. "2 every1 who have (been) waiting 2 hear...(I am) doing fine after my surgery (this) morning," Wade Tweeted. "I'm in (great) hands..thanks 4 all your concern/prayers."
