The Miami Heat might be about to get an unexpected second chance to sign a player that they nearly drafted back in 2025. Of course, that's only if the Memphis Grizzlies do move forward with waiving Walter Clayton Jr., as some seem to believe will eventually happen.
According to Jake Fischer, that's the expectation heading into the start of the season. In order for the Grizzlies to cut their lengthy training camp roster down to 15, the belief is that Clayton Jr. would find himself on the chopping block.
If so, it would give the Heat the opportunity to sign a player that they were reportedly interested in back in 2025.
The Heat can right a past draft wrong by signing Walter Clayton Jr.
Miami was heavily linked to Clayton Jr. heading into draft night. In the end, though, Clayton Jr. was selected two spots before the Heat. Miami would go on to take Kasparas Jakucionis, who they then sent as part of their blockbuster trade package to Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With a clear need in the backcourt, though, you can't help but wonder if the Heat would be open in revisiting their past interest in Clayton Jr.
Of course, that's a question that only the members of the front office can answer. In theory, the Heat does need more depth in the backcourt, and Clayton Jr. could represent an intriguing low-risk target. However, at the same time, if the Heat aren't willing to sign a veteran into that 15th spot, I'd have my questions about whether they'd be willing to fill that spot with a much bigger project.
Because if the Heat is prioritizing roster flexibility, then it's hard to envision the Heat signing any player, much less Clayton Jr. to a standard contract before the start of the season.
Could that change in-season? Absolutely. However, if the Grizzlies do move forward with waiving Clayton Jr. now (or in a few weeks), I can't imagine he'll go long without a new team. And if the Heat still wants to keep roster flexibility heading into the season, that would likely end any hope of them signing the young guard.
Clayton Jr. averaged 7.8 points and four assists during his rookie season, but did struggle with his overall shooting consistency. And that's one of the bigger reasons why he was traded mid-season from Utah to Memphis.
Despite all that, though, it would certainly be intriguing to see Clayton Jr. in the Heat's developmental system. And if they want it, there's a clear path toward that happening.
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