The Miami Heat want to get back to the NBA Finals this season, and the main barrier standing in their way is the Boston Celtics.
Miami isn’t opposed to collecting former Celtics on their roster in an attempt to outdo their Eastern Conference foe (see: Terry Rozier), and the Heat could now be in play to sign another former Boston guard.
Miami’s starting lineup is established, but like most contenders, the Heat could use some more bench scoring.
Former Celtic Lonnie Walker IV (waived on Saturday by Boston, per ESPN’s Shams Charania) would fit into Miami’s offense seamlessly, just like he did for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers over the past two seasons.
Heat exec Pat Riley should make moves immediately to acquire Walker, especially since Walker’s former team the Lakers are sure to be picking up the phone this weekend to negotiate a reunion deal.
The defensive-minded New York Knicks (also a contender in need of bench offense) would be another magnificent fit for Walker. Like Miami, New York must be grinning at the prospect of grabbing a former Celtic.
Walker won’t last as an unclaimed commodity for long. He’s a proven bucket-getter in the NBA. The question is, will Los Angeles, Miami, or New York go all-in on Walker, or will the scoring machine light it up in another city this season?