The Heat opted to sign Smith instead of a backup center such as Kai Jones, who auditioned for Miami last week, or veteran center Trey Lyes, who also has been linked to the Heat. Miami isn’t expected to add a backup center in free agency anytime soon, though it’s conceivable that could be addressed with another trade.

MIAMI — a day after trading forward Haywood Highsmith to ease their situation against the punitive NBA luxury tax, the Miami Heat on Saturday re-signed guard Dru Smith to a three-year contract. Smith, who had a Heat qualifying offer in place for a two-way contract, agreed to a $7.9 million deal that only has the first year fully guaranteed.

The Golden State Warriors have their new big three in place, as they acquired Jimmy Butler in a trade with the Miami Heat midway through the 2024-25 campaign, pairing him up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.