As the Miami Heat gear up for training camp next week, they’ve solidified their roster by adding former first-round pick Nassir Little to the mix. The signing, first reported by Chris Haynes and later confirmed by Heat beat writers, sees Little fill the 15th and final spot on Miami’s regular season roster. 

This deal is a standard contract, not a camp invite, and provides additional depth to a team already boasting strong wing players such as Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Josh Richardson.

Little’s contract, believed to be for the league minimum, is reportedly not fully guaranteed, or perhaps only partially guaranteed. This strategic move helps the Heat manage their payroll as they aim to avoid the NBA’s punitive second tax apron. While not fully locking in Little’s contract keeps Miami under the tax threshold, the Heat could explore other roster adjustments if they decide to retain Little for the full season.

The addition of Little brings Miami a reliable wing defender, a valuable asset considering the injury history of several key players on the roster. His defensive versatility could help him earn minutes, even in a deep rotation filled with proven players like Duncan Robinson and rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Little, who played his first four NBA seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, was traded to the Phoenix Suns last year as part of the three-team deal involving Jrue Holiday. During his time with Phoenix, Little appeared in 45 games, averaging 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in just over 10 minutes per game. Though his role with the Suns was limited, Miami sees potential in him as a deep-bench contributor.

With his defensive prowess and the Heat’s propensity for developing role players, Nassir Little will likely start the season on the roster, offering quality depth at the wing position. Given Miami’s aspirations in the Eastern Conference, his signing provides a crucial insurance policy for a team that values two-way players.