Author: Monojit Mandal
The Miami Heat made a smart attempt to improve their 3-point shooting by signing former Los Angeles Lakers player Cole Swider to their training squad. The deal, known as an Exhibit 10 contract, is conditional on the Heat acquiring a 14th member of its roster in a normal contract, as the team currently has 13 such players on its roster.
Swider’s possible arrival comes at a critical time for the Heat, who have seen their 3-point shooting options dwindle. Notable free agents that summer were Max Strus and Gabe Vincent, both important 3-point shooters. In addition, there were rumors of possible trades involving Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson, which could influence the team’s outside shooting.
Cole Swider, 23, enters the NBA after not being selected at Syracuse in 2022. He signed a two-way contract with the Lakers last season and played in seven NBA games before being waived recently. Swider demonstrated his ability from beyond the arc during the summer league, hitting an impressive 425 3-point shots, which was similar to his success in the G League last season.
An Exhibit 10 contract allows the Heat to offer Swider a minimum guarantee during training camp. Based on his performance, the organization can choose to offer him a regular contract, a two-way contract or assign him to the Sioux Falls Skyforce, its G League affiliate.
Swider isn’t the only 3-point shooter on the Heat’s radar for training camp. The team also has an exhibition deal with USC forward Drew Peterson, who impressed the Heat during a good summer league trip to Sacramento and Las Vegas.
Point guards Jamaree Bouyea and Dru Smith now occupy two of the three open spots on the Miami Heat. However, the position is uncertain, and Swider and/or Peterson could take on these responsibilities.
The unresolved issue for the Heat is the situation of forward Jamal Cain, who had a two-way contract with the team last season. Cain hasn’t signed a contract yet, but the Heat have the option to match any outside offer he receives.
The Miami Heat’s upcoming training camp promises to be intriguing as they investigate the potential of exceptional players such as Cole Swider and Drew Peterson to improve their 3-point shooting and strengthen the team for the upcoming NBA season.