Potential free agent replacements for Dion Waiters

Decision Time

If the decision this summer was simply in the hands of Waiters, the result would be a fait accompli. Recently he penned an article for The Players Tribune, titled “The NBA is lucky I’m home doing damn articles.” Among other things, Waiters detailed how much it meant for him to play in Miami this season. In his words:

"“It was damn near the best thing that’s happened in my NBA career….I love Miami. I had a hell of a season here….Hopefully, we found a home down here.”"

For his part, team president Pat Riley, whom Waiters described in his article upon first meeting Riley as “you know, real O.G., looking like a million bucks…He’s looking like the boss. He’s looking like he’s seen it all, because he has.”, also has great affection for Waiters.

At his recent season-ending exit interview, Riley stated:

"“The great guards in this league, he has the ability to shoot over 40 percent from three,… to be maybe a 47 or 48 field goal percentage guy. If he gets over 50, look out. What bothers me is that he’s not making 85 percent of his free throws. This is all focus. He has that in him and I think we saw enough of it, plus we really like Dion. He’s a good guy. I don’t know if there are two tougher minded guards in the league than Goran Dragic and Dion. Dion has this affable defiance. I like [that he] wants to take big shots. But the two of them did complement each other because both are attackers.z"

These words certainly sound like Riley is looking forward to Waiters returning. he also added:

"“Dion can create off the dribble and get to areas of the court when you can get up shots in late clock situations. He’s going to become a better finisher because… he gets into the paint 12 to 14 times per game. He realizes now what it takes to be a great player. The one word that coach was talking about all the time that we just want to improve is his efficiency.”"

Like any free-agent negotiation, money is going to be at the top of the list of deciding factors. Even if Waiters says now he wants to stay in Miami, someone could offer a deal too rich for him to pass up. Like Luol Deng last summer.

In such an instance, the players detailed here should be seriously considered.

Note: there was some notable exclusions from the list of potential replacements. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is one player, like Waiters, who’s expected to receive multiple offers. And according to the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Pistons are likely to match any offer, even if it means offering a maximum contract. Although Caldwell-Pope, 24, has much potential, this would be a severe over-pay for the Heat.

Another prominent free-agent name will be J.J. Redick of the Los Angeles Clippers. Redick still produced another strong season, averaging 15.0 points per game which included 42.9 percent shooting from three-point range. However, Redick will be 33 next month, and recently had a poor playoff showing, averaging 9.1 points on just 38.0 percent shooting from the field.

And although he’s at a similar age to the aforementioned Young and Miles, it’s expected Redick will be commanding approximately $16 million per season. Considering his age, this would be an awful lot to pay at the conclusion of the deal. Young and Miles, however, are likely to command significantly less than that of Redick, and would be terrific short-term additions.

Next: Free agent replacements for James Johnson

But from the list of potential replacements mentioned, Hardaway Jr. would best fit the bill as Waiters’ successor. Of course, that comes with it’s own complexities of signing him as a restricted free agent.

At 25 and with four seasons behind him, Hardaway Jr. will be entering the prime of his career in the coming seasons. And with his father, Tim Hardaway, already a Heat legend, having a second Hardaway in the fold would be a great storyline if the Heat and Waiters are unable to come to an agreement.