The Heat are the NBA’s lowest-scoring team. Now they’re adding two offensive-minded big men.
Kevin Love’s agent told ESPN he planned to sign with the Heat after he clears waivers Monday, and the Heat also plan to sign center Cody Zeller that day.
Love asked the Cleveland Cavaliers for a buyout after he fell out of the rotation. The five-time All-Star spent the past nine seasons with the Cavs, winning a title in 2016.
He embraced his role off the bench last season, finishing second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting. But the backup minutes were hard to find this year in a crowded front court with Jarrett Allen, sophomore Evan Mobley and Robin Lopez, plus the emergence of forward Dean Wade.
While Love also talked to the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s likely the Heat offered him a larger role and more playing time. Miami’s only move at the deadline was to trade away disgruntled center Dewayne Dedmon, who ended up on the 76ers.
Instead, they’re using the buyout and free agent markets to get more size and offense.
Zeller hasn’t played at all this season. Utah released him in October, after trading for Kelly Olynyk. He spent the first eight years of his career in Charlotte, after the Hornets chose him at No. 4 in the 2013 Draft.
Zeller always battled injuries, but Charlotte’s offense was always much better with him on the court. He’s never been a prolific scorer, but he’s a good ball mover and a great screen setter.
What Love provides is simple: 3-point shooting and outlet passing. The Heat’s defense has been as strong as ever this season, but they’re making only 33.4% of their 3s, the third-worst mark in the league.
Love’s shooting was down a bit after a thumb injury, but he’s still made 35.4% of his triples, and for his career, he shoots 37.2%.
The Heat are already the second-oldest team in the NBA, behind Milwaukee. The 30-year-old Zeller and the 34-year-old Love should fit right in. After all, what do older people do when they hit retirement? They move to Florida.
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