The Heat have signed guard R.J. Hampton to a two-way contract ahead of training camp, the team announced.
Hampton, 22, was selected 24th overall by the Bucks in the 2020 NBA Draft and has appeared in 162 games as a member of the Nuggets, Magic, and Pistons. Throughout his young career, Hampton has averaged 7.1 points (41% FG, 34.2% 3P), 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 18.8 minutes per game.
Hampton is a 6-foot-4 combo guard who has shown flashes of being a high-volume scorer and showcases substantial quickness and athleticism.
After letting Gabe Vincent go in free agency, the Heat have been looking to fill the point guard role, particularly, with all the rumors and speculation surrounding the Heat and Damian Lillard’s mutual interest, fans have been anticipating a trade all summer. And then today, as the news broke that Lillard is headed to the Bucks, the Heat had to pivot and go with Plan B, which led to the team signing Hampton.
Nevertheless, Hampton is a highly talented young player who can develop into a consistent three-level scorer and will provide the Heat with more depth at point guard off the bench.
Considering his two-way contract, Hampton will earn $559,782 and spend time playing with the G League affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce, and will then be eligible to appear in up to 50 regular season games with the Heat.
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