Simmons: Celtics wanted Delon Wright, but Heat promised playing time

Not that the Miami Heat-Boston Celtics rivalry needed any more seasoning – and what’s coming up counts little more than a sprinkle of salt in the pan – but it’s something.

It seemed like Delon Wright in Miami was a natural fit when the Heat signed the 31-year-old point guard during the All-Star break. But, according to The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, the Celtics had wanted Wright before the Heat swooped in and offered him more playing time.

The Boston Celtics reportedly wanted Delon Wright but the Miami Heat promised playing time before signing him last month.

“The Celtics wanted [Delon Wright], by the way,” Simmons said on his podcast. “And Miami promised him playing time. So, you know.”

Wright, whose older brother Dorell played for the Heat from 2004 to 2010, had made getting to Miami a priority even before agreeing to a buyout with the Wizards last month.

Beyond the family connection and familiarity with the organization, injuries to Miami’s backcourt assured Wright a spot in the rotation.

Wright played 35 minutes as a starter in his Heat debut on Feb. 26 and then 17 minutes off the bench on the second night of a back-to-back, but has been out of the rotation for the last three games even as Tyler Herro and Josh Richardson remain sidelined with injuries.

Wright has played just three minutes since his first two appearances. His decrease in playing time has coincided with the return of Terry Rozier from a sprained right knee.

With Richardson likely out for the season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder, there will be a time when the Heat need Wright again. The Heat are positioned to climb the East standings and return to the playoffs as a top-six seed. 

The top-seeded Celtics – with Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard cemented in the guard rotation – would not have been able to guarantee Wright the playing time he wanted (and ironically hasn’t been getting in Miami over this recent stretch).

Another postseason meeting with the Celtics could be coming and, with it, a ton of juicy storylines. Wright choosing Miami over Boston would be low on the list, but it’s something.