The Miami Heat have decided to waive the former second overall pick, Derrick Williams just half a season into his Heat career. Williams, who only appeared in 25 games as a member of the Heat, could never get things going as he only averaged 5.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, shooting 39.4% from the floor, and 20% from behind the three-point arch.
Often classified as a stretch four, Williams’ calling card was his ability to stretch the floor and ignite offenses with his energy. Unfortunately, the positive play from other players at Williams’ position stacked the odds against him and ultimately led to this move.
One of those players who has impressed is forward Okaro White who was playing through his second 10-day contract for the Heat. Liking what they saw, the Heat opted to sign the youthful White to a 2-year contract after his stellar play.
The Miami Heat are releasing Derrick Williams and signing forward Okaro White to a two-year contract, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2017
As for Derrick Williams, the former second overall pick may not be out on the open market for long.
Following from Ian Begley of ESPN.
If forward Derrick Williams clears waivers, it’s worth noting that he still has some fans in the Knicks organization. Williams was with the Knicks in 2015-16 and signed with Miami over the summer, declining a player option to remain in New York. He will he waived by Miami, according to multiple reports. Sources say the Knicks will indeed have some interest in Williams if he clears waivers. The club, of course, will have to waive a player to make room for Williams.
Currently out of the playoff picture in the Eastern conference, the New York Knicks are in desperate need of help in order to rekindle any playoff aspirations. Williams’ is familiar with the organization and most of the players, so a return to NYC would be a routine one. As for his production, Williams must turn around his lackluster play if he wants to stick around for any team that signs him in the future.
