6 free agents the Miami Heat can replace Dion Waiters with

J.J. Redick

First up on our list is J.J. Redick of the Los Angeles Clippers. The 11-year vet is a little long in the tooth, but is still playing at a very high level.

Redick is presently averaging 14.7 points per game, to go with 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists. His value, however, comes in his ability to knock down three-pointers.

Among guards with over 40 games played, who attempt at least two threes nightly, Redick ranks sixth in the league with 41.8 percent efficiency. Furthermore, on shots that are considered “wide open” by NBA.com (no defender within six feet), the Clippers 2-guard is seventh overall at an astounding 50.5 percent.

As far as finding a replacement who will space the floor for Miami, they couldn’t do any better than Redick. The issues arise when you consider one thing: who’s going to get him the wide open looks he’s so adept at converting?

Our hypothetical involves the Heat losing Waiters, who is the team’s second best distributor. Perhaps Justise Winslow — who will return from a season-ending shoulder injury in 2018 — could take over the role. Although his second season was a disappointment, he was showing signs of being able to handle a play-making role before he went down.

Winslow averaged almost four assists per game, and his 15.3 assist percentage was sixth on the team. With improved finishing around the rim, he could become the drive-and-kick replacement Miami need in a theoretical post-Waiters world.

Having Redick spotting up on the outside would be a major plus for the Heat’s offense.

Do I think he leaves the Clippers? No. But they’re probably another playoff failure away from blowing it all up. Plus, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent, and a cheaper option than the upcoming players on our list.