The Miami Heat are in the market for a backup point guard. Ideally, said player would follow in Davion Mitchell's footsteps and realize their potential in Miami. It's an ambitious dream, but one that's rooted in precedent. Thankfully, the Atlanta Hawks have gifted the Heat a new option to consider.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Hawks have waived former lottery pick Devin Carter, thus meaning he'll be an unrestricted free agent if he clears waivers.
The Atlanta Hawks are waiving former lottery pick Devin Carter, according to league sources.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) September 11, 2026
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has reported the same, confirming that Carter will be available for other teams to consider as a late-summer addition.
The Atlanta Hawks have waived Devin Carter, league sources told @hoopshype. The 24-year-old guard averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 18.4 minutes during 38 games played for the Sacramento Kings last season. pic.twitter.com/RiOAglNwgt
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 11, 2026
Atlanta acquired Carter in late June, but he'll now be looking for a new team before even having a chance to play a game for the Hawks. Miami shouldn't make him wait long.
Devin Carter could be the next Heat success story
Carter, 24, was selected at No. 13 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, he played just 36 games in 2024-25 and 38 in 2025-26. Still just 24 years of age, there's reason to ponder if he could display more than he has if given the time to play and develop.
Carter certainly showed signs of promise during his sophomore season, posting averages of 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.9 steals in just 18.4 minutes per game.
Those numbers translated to 17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per 36 minutes. Though he struggled with inefficiency at a clip of .414/.263/.713, he increased his field goal percentage by 4.4 and his free throw shooting by 12.2 between 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Though he wasn't necessarily a great defender, Carter also ranked in the top half of the NBA in perimeter isolation defense and off-ball chaser defense, per Basketball Index.
Devin Carter has untapped potential as a scorer, playmaker, and defender
Carter clearly has question marks as a shooter, but Erik Spoelstra's history of developing guards can't be disregarded. He helped the likes of Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole play meaningful roles on championship teams, and made the NBA Finals with the likes of Kendrick Nunn and Gabe Vincent.
Each of those players seemed to thrive specifically within Spoelstra's system and overcame concerns about some facet of their game to contribute winning minutes.
Carter could be the next in a long line of Spoelstra success stories—and Mitchell, now the starting point guard for the Heat, is the latest player to suggest it can happen again. Mitchell had started 54 games in three-and-a-half seasons when he arrived in Miami, and many had written him off as player who couldn't play a big role on a winning team. He's now one of the best 3-and-D point guards in the NBA.
Given Carter's talent level, near 6'9" wingspan, and athleticism, the Heat should give serious consideration to making him the backup point guard they need.
Add us as a preferred source on Google