Report: Dion Waiters agrees to deal with Miami Heat

According to the AP, Dion Waiters has agreed with the Heat on a two-year, $6 million deal (year two is a player option, according to The Vertical). Which we can all say together, “wait, what now?”

Yep, just $2.9 per year for Downhill Dion.

The way his market dried up is fascinating, especially after the Thunder pulled — just in time, apparently — his $6.8 million qualifying offer. But Waiters is betting on himself to prove his worth in Miami, a place he should be able to get consistent playing time. Sure, the Thunder could’ve brought him back for a similar deal, but Waiters was likely to prefer Miami, a place where he might start, rather than OKC where he’d be behind Victor Oladipo.

So what is the significance, if any? Well, no more Waiters, but now his $12.8 million cap hold will come off the Thunder’s books. This means they can now officially present Russell Westbrook a renegotiated extension offer, something he will consider taking.

The Thunder were likely to keep Waiters if Durant would’ve stayed, because when you’re over the cap there aren’t many ways to build a team outside of keeping the guys you have. Now, they’re under the cap and they have options. One of which is trying to lock up Westbrook long-term.