Over 12 hours after the conclusion of their final preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Miami Heat announced Saturday morning that it has waived Nassir Little, Zyon Pullin, Isaiah Stevens and Warren Washington.
OFFICIAL: The Miami HEAT have waived Nassir Little, Zyon Pullin, Isaiah Stevens and Warren Washington.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 19, 2024
As a result, they will enter the 2024-25 season with 17 players on the roster: 14 players on standard contracts plus three two-way players (Dru Smith, Josh Christopher, Keshad Johnson).
It’s not confirmed whether or not Little–the only player previously on a non-guaranteed standard deal–would join Sioux Falls, though it’s expected that the other three would start the season on the Skyforce.
Anthony Chiang confirmed that if Little was on the roster past the 5 p.m. deadline today, the Heat would begin accruing his daily cap hit if he was still on the non-guaranteed deal–which would prolong the date that the Heat would be able to convert a two-way (likely Keshad Johnson) or sign a player for the minimum without exceeding the second apron.
Among the other three that were cut, Stevens had the best preseason, despite only totaling six points in 49 minutes. He continued to be a revelation as a playmaker, posting 12 assists to just three turnovers, developing great synergy with heat first-round rookie Kel’el Ware.
Ultimately, Miami made the right decision with its two-way spots. Dru Smith earned it, as did Josh Christopher and Keshad Johnson. At some point or another, a team could very well give Stevens a two-way. But two-way deals don’t count against the team cap, and the Heat have been known to shift them around, depending on the circumstances.
What do you think about the final roster cuts? Let us know in the comments!
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If they hadn’t signed Christopher, another team would have signed him. Johnson is the one they may lose.
What do you mean Johnson is the one they may lose
Signed by another team like Swider and Williams.
I don’t think he can be poached while on a 2-way.
Confirmed:
No, another team cannot sign a two-way player on your team because the team that signs a player to a two-way contract has exclusive rights to that player for the duration of the contract
Surprised the experiment got cut short so early, but can’t say I disagree. Wasn’t impressed in his minutes, I know he shot the three well last game but didn’t like outside the box score, he was late off-ball, confused in defense sometimes, he dove for the ball a couple times but his hustle outside that didn’t really jump out IMO
We’re not winning a ring We’re not winning the championship this year we will be a play in team but at least Jimmy Butler gets his Extension an I can tell grizzlies has more faith in Zach Edey than the heat has in Kel’el Ware they should Trade or waive Thomas bryant should have kept Orlando robinson or omer Yurtseven or Warren Washington could have kept Nassir little Isaiah Stevens zyon pullin should have traded or part ways with Thomas bryant should Trade or waive Josh Richardson
The Heat CAN’T waive anyone on a guaranteed contract. They’d still have to pay him and it wouldn’t free up a single dollar. They can only add a player by trading someone. Yurt? Warren Washington? Lol. Yurt was so good that he’s out of the league. And Ware thoroughly outplayed Edey yesterday.
Little’s time was little.