The Miami Heat managed to re-sign Goran Dragic but couldn’t quite come to an agreement with Jae Crowder— who is still canvassing his options in free agency. They wasted little time and signed Moe Harkless to add depth on the wing.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Heat is signing Harkless to a one-year $3.6 million contract. He will have a chance to play a ‘prominent role’ for Miami during the 2020-21 season.
The Los Angeles Clippers began last season by frequently starting Maurice Harkless at the four spot. In fact, he made 50 appearances and made 38 starts before being traded to the New York Knicks ahead of the trade deadline.
During the stretch Harkless played with the Clippers, he posted averages of 22.8 minutes, 5.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist while converting from deep at a 37.0% clip. He appeared in just 12 games for the Knicks and his 3-point shooting dropped to 28% during that period.
It’s intriguing that Harkless stands at 6-foot-9— making it easier to experience success defensively at the four spot. That’s crucial for a Heat team that thrives with its defense setting the tone.
There isn’t a lot of value that Moe Harkless brings to the table offensively. He’s a low-volume perimeter shooter who converts at a career 32.5% clip and outside of that, he’s mostly a right place at the right time kind of player in transition, as a cutter, and on the boards.
The Miami Heat will continue to preserve salary cap spending room for next offseason when prominent players will be on the open mark— including two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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