Heat Officially Sign Patty Mills, Waive Dru Smith

Mills’ deal is for the rest of the season, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.

Along with the Mills signing, the Heat announced they have waived guard Dru Smith, who underwent season-ending knee surgery in December.

Mills, 35, is 6-foot-2 and has played a very limited role with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 2.7 points in just 19 games. He was acquired in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder in July — after spending last season with the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 6.2 points in 40 games.

Mills has long been one of the NBA’s top backcourt reserves, most notably during his younger days with the San Antonio Spurs (2011-21). He spent his first season with the Portland Trail Blazers and carries career averages of 8.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.6 steals. 

But Mills wasn’t gaining minutes in the absence of the injured Trae Young. Perhaps with the Heat he can find a role for a franchise that is coming off an appearance in the Finals.

Smith, 26, is 6-3 and appeared in nine games with Miami this season, averaging 4.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals before his injury.