Miami Heat to address point guard need by adding veteran after buyout

The Miami Heat are planning to sign Delon Wright, addressing their need for ball-handling in the wake of injuries to the backcourt.

Wright has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, clearing the way for him to sign with the Heat upon clearing waivers in the coming days, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Wright, 31, has gotten less playing time this season as the rebuilding Wizards prioritize younger players, but he should still be able to contribute to a playoff team.

Can Wright still play?

Don’t let the decreased playing time fool you, he can still contribute as a rotation-level point guard. Wright is coming off a strong 2022-23 season in which he averaged 7.4 points and 3.9 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. 

At 6-foot-5, he provides steady shooting, playmaking and defense. His career assist-to-turnover ratio (3.1 to 0.9) indicates that he can take care of the ball. He’s also making 36.8% of his 3s this season.

How Wright can help

The Heat are in desperate need of more ball-handling as they navigate injuries to starting point guard Terry Rozier and key reserve Josh Richardson. It’s unclear when either will return to the lineup, as Rozier recovers from a right knee sprain and Richardson works his way back from a dislocated right shoulder.

Wright’s job will be to take care of the ball, make open 3s and provide steady defense. With Miami’s injuries, he’ll join a backcourt of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and recently promoted Alondes Williams.

Wright should see plenty of playing time – and could even start – while Rozier and Richardson are out and provide much-needed depth in the event of future injuries.