Free-agent forward Derrick Williams has agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Miami Heat, league sources told The Vertical.
After a productive season with the New York Knicks, Williams, 25, identified the opportunity that comes with a Miami organization that’s facing significant free-agent losses as a chance to further showcase his talent for a return to the free-agent market in 2017.
Williams has been impressed with how coach Erik Spoelstra’s system has strengthened the value of players such as center Hassan Whiteside and guard Tyler Johnson.
Miami has lost Dwyane Wade (Chicago) and Joe Johnson (Utah) in unrestricted free agency and could be facing the departure of Tyler Johnson if the Heat decline to match his $50 million offer sheet with the Brooklyn Nets.
Miami is still facing an uncertain future with All-Star forward Chris Bosh, whose health is clouding his NBA future. There’s ample opportunity for Williams to impact the Heat’s lineup next season.
Williams passed on a $4.6 million player option with the Knicks for the 2016-17 season, choosing to test the market.
He averaged 9.3 points – his career average – in 80 games for the Knicks. Williams was the No. 2 overall pick by Minnesota in the 2011 NBA draft.
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