DONE DEAL: Former Heat Championship Is Happy About Delon Wright’s Arrival.
The All-Star Break gave the Miami Heat even another addition. Delon Wright will join with the Heat following his buyout with the Wizards, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski via his X account.
“Washington Wizards guard Delon Wright and his agent Greg Lawrence tell ESPN that Wright has agreed to a contract buyout, which will allow him to sign with the Miami Heat after clearing waivers.”
Dorell Wright, Delon Wright’s brother, praised Delon’s joining the team via his X account after the article about him was released.
In 2004, Dorell Wright began his NBA career as a member of the Heat. Despite not playing in any of the Heat’s postseason games, he was a member of the team when they won the championship in 2006. Up until 2010, when LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined the organization, he was a player for the Heat. Up until 2015—the year Dorell entered the league—Wright competed in the NBA. “LFG!!” was Delon Wright’s tweet in response to his brother’s celebration.
Wright hasn’t played as much for the Wizards in 2023–2024. His average minutes per game dropped from 24.4 to 13.8. Wright is averaging 4.1 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 rebounds while playing a smaller role. Given that the Heat have far higher expectations than the Wizards, Wright might play a larger role with them.
Josh Richardson and Terry Rozier are out indefinitely, thus Wright will have a good opportunity to establish himself in the Heat’s lineup.
Delon Wright Was Being “Monitored” by Several Teams
Several clubs were reportedly interested in Delon Wright before he signed with the Heat, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Scotto added how much his job had shrunk in Washington, although he did not mention the Heat as one of those clubs. “League sources told HoopsHype that a number of playoff contenders, including the Suns, are keeping an eye on whether Wizards guard Delon Wright will be purchased out. Prior to the All-Star break, Wright had averaged 4.6 minutes per game in four games for Washington since the trade deadline, according to a piece by Scotto published on February 16.
It seems like Wright made his decision to sign with the Heat during the buyout window rather quickly. Wright’s salary for the 2023–24 season was close to $8.2 million. After waivers are cleared, the Heat will be able to sign him directly because his salary is less than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Elevated for Midseason Transitions
The Five Reason Sports X account provided an explanation of why, all things considered, the Heat performed well with their midseason preparations following the revelation of the Heat’s plans for Delon Wright.
The Heat ended up with Terry Rozier and Delon Wright after clearing away an unhappy, fading player and throwing in a first. Everyone wanted to fill the final roster position, and they did. They left (the) second apron uncovered, preserving its flexibility. I fail to see how anyone could be dissatisfied.
The player in question is Kyle Lowry, who the Heat traded away for Rozier and is currently in decline. Following Lowry’s purchase by the Hornets and subsequent joining of the Philadelphia 76ers, the Heat may very possibly play the Hornets in the postseason.
