Erick Dampier waived; won't be joining Heat (merged)

[Roy H.]

Unable to swing a trade, the Charlotte Bobcats waived center Erick Dampier on Tuesday, voiding one of the NBA's most unique contracts and avoiding the dreaded luxury tax. . . .

Once he clears waivers, the 35-year-old Dampier will be free to sign for any team for any salary. Miami, looking for help in the middle to round out its superstar lineup, could be a possibility.

Link.

Dampier has reportedly expressed a desire to sign in Miami:

And there's known to be mutual interest. In fact, Dampier has already told at least one long-time associate in his Jackson, Miss. hometown that Miami would be at the top of his list if he's released. Dampier's camp also indicated that to the Bobcats, who are convinced he's likely headed for Miami if Charlotte can't find a trade partner.

Link

[Lucky17]

Damp would certainly help them out.

[Roy H.]

Dampier on the Heat would make them a significantly more formidable team.  Their roster is full, but they'd be smart to sign Dampier if they had the opportunity.  I'd cut Magloire or Pittman.

[Fafnir]

If he goes to the Heat instead of somewhere else for more minutes/money I'm definitely down on beating the Heat this year....

[Roy H.]

If he goes to the Heat instead of somewhere else for more minutes/money I'm definitely down on beating the Heat this year....

Yeah, unfortunately Dampier is the perfect type of player for them.  Good defense, good rebounding, a mean streak, no ego. 

[j804]

How would/are the Heat signing all these players?? wouldnt they need to pay Damp like 13mil thought i read that, unless anybody can pick him up for what he agrees to

[mgent]

Dampier on the Heat would make them a significantly more formidable team.  Their roster is full, but they'd be smart to sign Dampier if they had the opportunity.  I'd cut Magloire or Pittman.

I thought they still have one more spot.

[Who]

Dampier would be a solid addition for the Heat but he won't add that much.

Miami should keep him on the bench and use him as the fourth big in the rotation.

They'll be more effective with Joel Anthony in the starting lineup. Their quickness is nightmarish. No reason to put a plodder like Dampier in the mix (unnecessarily) and ruin things.

Dampier will be useful in specific matchups though. Give them some more muscle and post defense. A different skill-set than Big Z or J.Anthony. Similar to Magloire but a lot more talented.

[Lucky17]

How would/are the Heat signing all these players?? wouldnt they need to pay Damp like 13mil thought i read that, unless anybody can pick him up for what he agrees to

They can offer him a minimum contract, same as any other team in the league.

[Lucky17]

Dampier on the Heat would make them a significantly more formidable team.  Their roster is full, but they'd be smart to sign Dampier if they had the opportunity.  I'd cut Magloire or Pittman.

I thought they still have one more spot.

Technically, they have 18 under contract.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/miami.htm

Those bottom 5 names are all non-guaranteed contracts. Any/all could be cut without salary implications for the Heat.

[Roy H.]

Dampier on the Heat would make them a significantly more formidable team.  Their roster is full, but they'd be smart to sign Dampier if they had the opportunity.  I'd cut Magloire or Pittman.

I thought they still have one more spot.

Right now, they have:

C:  Anthony / Big Z / Magloire / Pittman
PF: Bosh / Haslem / Howard
SF: Lebron / Miller
SG: Wade / Jones / House
PG: Arroyo / Chalmers / Beverley

Those are the 15 guys who I believe have fully guaranteed deals.  Then, they have Shavlik Randolph ($250k guaranteed), Kenny Hasbrouk ($250k guaranteed) and Da'Sean Butler (non-guaranteed).

I doubt the Heat would hesitate to waive Beverley, Randolph, etc. if it meant adding Dampier.

[mgent]

Dampier on the Heat would make them a significantly more formidable team.  Their roster is full, but they'd be smart to sign Dampier if they had the opportunity.  I'd cut Magloire or Pittman.

I thought they still have one more spot.

Technically, they have 18 under contract.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/miami.htm

Those bottom 5 names are all non-guaranteed contracts. Any/all could be cut without salary implications for the Heat.

Oh I thought Pittman was guaranteed.

[Roy H.]

Dampier on the Heat would make them a significantly more formidable team.  Their roster is full, but they'd be smart to sign Dampier if they had the opportunity.  I'd cut Magloire or Pittman.

I thought they still have one more spot.

Technically, they have 18 under contract.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/miami.htm

Those bottom 5 names are all non-guaranteed contracts. Any/all could be cut without salary implications for the Heat.

Oh I thought Pittman was guaranteed.

Look here, it's more accurate:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=0AodNvAy3ZYZmdGk5cXZIS2c0cHowVlhoY29mVkR3SXc&gid=17

(They don't have Butler's non-guaranteed deal listed yet.)

[mgent]

Dampier on the Heat would make them a significantly more formidable team.  Their roster is full, but they'd be smart to sign Dampier if they had the opportunity.  I'd cut Magloire or Pittman.

I thought they still have one more spot.

Right now, they have:

C:  Anthony / Big Z / Magloire / Pittman
PF: Bosh / Haslem / Howard
SF: Lebron / Miller
SG: Wade / Jones / House
PG: Arroyo / Chalmers / Beverley

Those are the 15 guys who I believe have fully guaranteed deals.  Then, they have Shavlik Randolph ($250k guaranteed), Kenny Hasbrouk ($250k guaranteed) and Da'Sean Butler (non-guaranteed).

I doubt the Heat would hesitate to waive Beverley, Randolph, etc. if it meant adding Dampier.

Didn't think Beverley was guaranteed.

[Roy H.]

Dampier on the Heat would make them a significantly more formidable team.  Their roster is full, but they'd be smart to sign Dampier if they had the opportunity.  I'd cut Magloire or Pittman.

I thought they still have one more spot.

Right now, they have:

C:  Anthony / Big Z / Magloire / Pittman
PF: Bosh / Haslem / Howard
SF: Lebron / Miller
SG: Wade / Jones / House
PG: Arroyo / Chalmers / Beverley

Those are the 15 guys who I believe have fully guaranteed deals.  Then, they have Shavlik Randolph ($250k guaranteed), Kenny Hasbrouk ($250k guaranteed) and Da'Sean Butler (non-guaranteed).

I doubt the Heat would hesitate to waive Beverley, Randolph, etc. if it meant adding Dampier.

Didn't think Beverley was guaranteed.

I don't know how he pulled it off, but reportedly he is.  I guess the Heat are far enough below the luxury tax that they're willing to give out some guaranteed or mostly guaranteed minimum deals to get guys into training camp.