Miami Heat Sign Deandre Liggins, Danny Granger Rumors Suggest He Could Be Next
As the Miami Heat sign Deandre Liggins to a ten day contract on Tuesday, rumors regarding their late season playoff push begin picking up. With Lebron James struggling through a broken nose suffered against the Thunder last week, the Heat are looking to add reserve help. Danny Granger rumors are being suggested this week as a possible solution.
Why would the Miami Heat sign Deandre Liggins? After moving Roger Mason Jr. at the trade deadline last week, Miami needed to restore some depth to their roster. Deandre Liggins was originally drafted out of Kentucky by the Orlando Magic, eventually signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012. Last September, Liggins was released following charges involving domestic abuse in the presence of a minor. The Miami Heat NBA developmental league affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce signed Liggins at the time. He has been averaging 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.54 steals per game.
The Miami Heat would like to sign veteran players to their roster for added depth because of their vulnerability outside of the big three. Already one of the oldest teams in the league, they’ve even been forced to start Greg Oden who they signed a few months ago. Miami Heat trade rumors started as early as November with an ailing Dwyane Wade.
Danny Granger seems to be next on the list for the Heat. Acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers last week from the Indiana Pacers for Evan Turner, Granger is yet to see any action with his new team. Most NBA analysts speculate that the Sixers will buy out Danny Granger, which would probably make him happy anyway. In order for players to be eligible for the playoffs, they must be waived by March 1st. Granger is rumored to want to play for a contender, but that leaves only a few days to complete a buyout. Of course, the Sixers may want to use Granger’s expiring contract as trade bait instead.
The Miami Heat have continued to win down the stretch, even defeating the Bulls fairly easily on Sunday without Lebron. But as the playoffs are quickly coming upon them, they realize they are in desperate need to sign quality reserve players. By bringing Granger to Miami, they would certainly position themselves to add a player who knows what it takes to win and could be a huge asset off the bench.
For the Miami Heat to sign Deandre Liggins is more about talking a flyer on a young player who just might surprise a few folks down the stretch.
