The Miami Heat have essentially finished doing any major free agency moves this summer after re-signing Dion Waiters, James Johnson and signing Kelly Olynyk to a big deal. They capped themselves out and now wait to see if opportunities arise. One player the Heat did not elect to re-sign is Luke Babbitt and the veteran forward will be heading to a Southeast Division rival.
Babbitt has reportedly joined the Atlanta Hawks on a one-year deal worth an estimated $1.9 million.
Following comes from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and Mike Scotto of Basketball Insiders.
Free agent forward Luke Babbitt has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 4, 2017
Atlanta Hawks and Luke Babbitt have agreed to a one-year, $1.9 million deal, a league source told @BBallInsiders. ESPN first on agreement.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 4, 2017
Babbitt essentially will fill a bench role for the Hawks as Atlanta continues down the rebuilding path. They have shifted from a perennial playoff team to a squad that could possibly be the worst in the league. For Babbitt, it’s going to be a good opportunity to shine on team with low expectations. This will be Babbitt’s fourth team in eight years in the NBA.
