11. Rodney McGruder
Age: 25
Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward
2016/17 Salary: $543,471
Contract Expires: 2018/19
2016/17 Stats: 6.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 38.8 FG%, 31.5 3P%, 25.6 MPG, 27 GP
After impressing in Miami’s preseason schedule, McGruder claimed the final roster spot over the likes of Beno Udrih and Briante Weber. McGruder was a member of the Heat’s D-League affiliate, the Sioux Skyforce and their 2016 title. Due to a rash of injuries in the early part of the season, McGruder has not only played in 27 out of 29 games, he has already started on 15 occasions.
McGruder has earnt his minutes primarily through tenacious effort at the defensive end, and his ability to hit the open three-point shot. Considering a lot has been asked of him as a rookie, his returns thus far have been more than acceptable.
At such a low salary, a package including McGruder and another player is the likely option. Click here for this trade mentioned earlier involving McGruder and Josh Richardson.