Shane Battier to sign with Heat

[CameronCrazy06]

MIAMI -- Needing to upgrade their bench, the Miami Heat have landed a significant addition in veteran Shane Battier.

Battier announced on his Twitter account Thursday that he plans to sign with the Heat when free agency opens on Friday afternoon. A number of contending teams had been courting Battier over the last few days, including the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs.

The Heat made Battier a priority and met with him in the first hours of Monday, when teams were allowed to speak with players. Battier, who has had a relationship with Heat CEO Nick Arison since he was the team manager while Battier played at Duke, was attracted to the Heat's potential for winning a title.

"The lockout gave me lots of time to consider what was important to me at this stage of my life and career," Battier wrote on Twitter. "Over the last week, I've played out every scenario in my head over and over. It always came back to one thing for me: a winning role."

Battier, 33, averaged 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies last season. Mostly, the Heat were interested in Battier's ability to defend perimeter players and make spot-up 3-pointers that playing with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will create. Battier shot 45 percent on 3-pointers last season and is a career 44 percent shooter from long range.

According to league executives, Battier was seeking a multiyear contract at a significant portion of the $5 million mid-level exception. It is unclear what his addition means for Mike Miller, who the Heat are considering releasing with their amnesty clause. Miller currently is sidelined after having hernia surgery.

 

[Mexi]

well this sucks

 

[Pugz]

Championship.

 

[.infamous]

Makes their defense even better god damn lol.

 

[RipCity32]

IDK what they signed him for, but they should have used their money on a big man.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Only thing that makes me wonder is how does he fit in with them? With Lebron playing 39 minutes a game and Wade playing 37 that doesn't leave much room for Battier.

 

[.infamous]

Only thing that makes me wonder is how does he fit in with them? With Lebron playing 39 minutes a game and Wade playing 37 that doesn't leave much room for Battier.

Ring chasinnnnn

 

[Elite]

Only thing that makes me wonder is how does he fit in with them? With Lebron playing 39 minutes a game and Wade playing 37 that doesn't leave much room for Battier.

They'll all be on the court at the same time. LeBron and Wade essentially take turns running the point with whoever the PG on the floor is anyway. LeBron/Wade/Battier/Bosh/?

 

[elcheato]

IDK what they signed him for, but they should have used their money on a big man.

 

[DJT]

I find it funny how they can announce this. I thought they said teams can contact players on monday, but not sign/come to an agreement/or anything until friday...

 

[RipCity32]

 

[Pugz]

I find it funny how they can announce this. I thought they said teams can contact players on monday, but not sign/come to an agreement/or anything until friday...

doesnt mean hes signed. they can agree. he can still change his mind.

 

[DJT]

doesnt mean hes signed. they can agree. he can still change his mind.

But I clearly remember them saying they can't even "agree" to a deal...not even vocally...

 

[Pugz]

i dont see how they can stop that though

 

[The Young One]

This team will challenge some Duke teams from back in the day as one of the most easily hate able teams in any sport. Mario needs to come back to give them a good guy to embrace

 

[DJT]

LeBron says he will be a good guy this season lol