This late in the NBA offseason, the free agent market is pretty baron with only a few guys who will likely garner minimum contracts available. Dorell Wright is one of those free agents still available, and although the reports have been all over the place on him this offseason, the Heat have reportedly maintained contact with Wright and his representation, according to the Miami Herald.
Wright was a member of the Heat for six seasons from 2004-2010 and still has a home in Miami. Wright said earlier this offseason that he was very interested in coming back to Miami for next season, and it was reported in the beginning that the interest was mutual. More recently, though, it was reported that Miami had no interest in the 29-year-old sharpshooter, until Sunday, when reports surfaced that the two sides have remained in contact.
The Heat have reportedly not made Wright a contract offer yet, but it is possible that one is coming. If the Heat were to offer Wright a contract, it would likely be guaranteed for the veterans minimum. Despite Wright's interest in returning to Miami, he has also reportedly been talking to other teams about a potential deal, but a return to the Portland Trail Blazers is unlikely. With the Heat showing interest they would have to immediately become the favorites to land him, considering Wright has made it clear that he wants to be back with the organization.
The Heat currently have 15 players under contract so in order for Wright to sign and make the team they would have to make a cut. The most likely candidate to be cut is James Ennis, who had a fairly productive rookie year but showed no signs of improvement during summer league and is on a non-guaranteed contract, which makes him easily expendable. The Heat like Enni,s but their team is so deep and talented that he might be the odd man out. Another potential option if Wright were to sign would be to trade either Mario Chalmers, Chris Andersen or both. The Heat have reportedly been shopping both players as they look to get under the luxury tax line and trading them would do that and clear a roster spot for Wright.
In six seasons with the Heat, Wright averaged 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while making 46 percent of his field goal attempts. Wright is a career 37 percent shooter from the three point line, which could be a major asset for the Heat next season as they expect to be contenders in the Eastern Conference.
