MIAMI — And now . . . the NBA’s scratch-and-dent sale.
As July turns to August, the marquee largely has been cleared, from Giannis Antetokounmpo moving on to the Heat, to Jaylen Brown going to the 76ers to LeBron James also going to the 76ers.
What is left for a team still in need, such as the Heat. are the somewhat flawed who still could wind up as somewhat imperfect fits.
To that end, the Sun Sentinel turned back to a veteran NBA scout for thoughts on those who remain available and potentially could find their way into the Heat’s mix with Bam Adebayo and Antetokounmpo.
Because of the sensitive personnel information, the long-time scout only requested he remain anonymous amid his ongoing work for another team.
Klay Thompson: This would require either a trade or a buyout, with Thompson under contract this season to the Dallas Mavericks at $17.5 million.
“He’s not the defender he used to be. He can’t create his own shot, but he can still make shots,” the scout said of the 36-year-old who has dealt with an Achilles tear and ACL tear since his Warriors-championship prime. “I mean, on a given night, he’ll get you 17 points, maybe. I don’t think it’s going to be as regular, but I don’t think you should have high expectations. But he’s not through completely. You don’t stick a fork in him yet.”
The scout estimated that on the open market Thompson likely would be a minimum-scale player, “maybe $5 million.”
To get Thompson in a buyout, it likely would require the Heat kicking in most of the $8 million remaining of their mid-level exception.
DeMar DeRozan: DeRozan, 36, likely could create a bidding war, if so desired, but likely would be limited by the Heat to an offer of his $3.9 million veteran minimum, which would count $2.5 million against the cap, tax and aprons.
“Well, he’s got more left than Klay,” the scout said. “But stylistically is the problem. He’s got to come off the bench – and he’s never come off the bench in his entire career (12 total times, all as a rookie in 2009-10). With him, Bam and Giannis, there would be no spacing. And he’s ball dominant.
“But if he could accept the role as a six-man type, he would bolster their bench and maybe finish games, too, I guess. No doubt, he can do that, as a finisher. Yeah, you could go to him. I think he’s still got some go-to ability.”
As for the rest of his game?
“I mean, he’s not going to defend,” the scout continued. “When he was with San Antonio, he did start to pass the ball a little. But that’s not why you have him. That’s not his strength. But as a sixth-man, considering the other options, he’s a cut above Thompson, for sure.”
Bradley Beal: Beal, 33, is a free agent after opting out of the $5.6 million player option on the second and final year of his Los Angeles Clippers contract.
“He played, what, six games?” the scout said, with Beal limited to that amount last season by injury. “I mean, if he’s healthy, he’s probably got something. But that, to me, is just a total crapshoot.
“Could he bounce back? He could. But it’s less probable than not. He was good two years ago with the Suns. But if you’re signing him and having to get something, there are other options I’d think they might look at first. I’m not sure there is much competition.”
Russell Westbrook: Westbrook, 37, is a free agent who has played on minimal salaries the last four seasons, at this point unlikely to command anything more.
“I wouldn’t touch him in a million years,” the scout said, when relating Westbrook directly to the Heat. “You can’t rely on him in terms of what’s going to happen. Yeah, he’ll have, you know, great games. Sure. But he can’t shoot. He plays his own way. He’s not going to fit into a system. He doesn’t really defend.
“I mean, yeah, he’ll put up some numbers and he’ll win you some games. In terms of truly building a winning team, you don’t get him on your team.”
D’Angelo Russell: Russell, 30, has one season, at $6 million remaining on his contract, but is expected to receive a buyout, be traded or be waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.
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“He’s still good,” the scout said. “I mean, it’s an interesting one. He’s just worn out his welcome everywhere. He lures you with his talent, to a point. He’s got some point-guard ability. He can score and pass. He can dribble, pass and shoot. He can get his own shot. He’s always been a good passer.
“He’s not very good defensively. I would rather have him than Beal; I’d rather have him than Westbrook.”
Nick Richards: Richards, 29, is considered the best remaining free-agent big man, with the Heat lacking a true backup center.
“I sort of like him more than others,” the scout said. “He’s a good third center. I just don’t think on a seriously winning team that he’s your backup. He can rebound some. He doesn’t have a face-up game. He can run, he can score inside. He’s always been like a high-percentage guy, a dunker-spot kind of guy.
‘But he’s not very good defensively. He’s not really a rim protector. I’d said he’s a 2 1/2 backup center, not strictly a number three, but might not be good enough as your primary backup.”
