The Culture
After making his season debut a few weeks ago, Dion Waiters has had quite a week. While everyone knows that Waiters has an energy that he brings to the team, in the past week, he has also brought some drama.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported the blunt words of Waiters after he played just 12 minutes in the Heat’s 124-86 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks:
"“[Expletive] patience!” he said. “I want to play. I’ve been patient long enough. What do I got to be patient for? Come on man. I’ve been patient. I think everybody knows that. It’s time. What are we waiting for? If I’m out there, play me.”"
Am I surprised that Waiters is frustrated? Of course not. He is finally healthy enough to play after not playing for basically an entire season and a half and now is not getting the minutes he feels he should be getting.
However, this has created drama that is unnecessary — the last thing this team needs right now.
This drama leads to a question: could Waiters be on the block for a trade before the deadline? He just came back from his injury, but he also has two years left on his four-year, $52 million contract.
This might be the Heat’s best opportunity to trade for him, considering he is finally healthy and wanting to play. Plus, considering he is only 27-years-old, he could be an addition to a trade package that could draw interest from teams without the Heat having to give up someone else, such as Richardson or Adebayo.