The Heat have had multiple conversations with Tony Dutt, the agent for Rashard Lewis, about bringing the 6'10" long-range shooter aboard with the NBA champions, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. Dutt says money is not a primary issue for his client, who will receive the $13.7MM guaranteed portion of his contract for next season after he was waived by the Hornets this weekend.
"Absolutely, he wants to be on a championship-contending team and he also wants to revamp his career and no question he will do that," the agent said. "And probably, let's say he does a minimum or even the mid-level, he's got another contract in him. He's only 33. He takes care of himself."
Lewis signed a six-year, $112.8MM contract in 2007 that has made him one of the league's highest paid players the last several seasons, so it makes sense that another big payday isn't a priority. The Wizards traded him to the Hornets earlier this month, and the Heat, Celtics, Lakers, Hawks, and Knicks were reportedly expected to have interest in Lewis after the Hornets let him go.
Lewis averaged 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season, and shot 23.9% from three-point land, well off his career averages of 16.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG and 38.8% from three.
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