Heat to entertain free-agent forward Lewis

By foxsports
Published

MIAMI — The Miami Heat had a 10-time All-Star visit Thursday in free-agent guard Ray Allen. This weekend, they will be playing host to a two-time All-Star.
 
Colin Bryant, one of the agents for Rashard Lewis, confirmed the free-agent forward will be taking a look at the Heat. He said Lewis is intrigued by the possibility of joining them.
 
“They’re a championship team and a great organization, and I think he’d fit well with them,’’ Bryant said. “It would definitely be a great overall situation.’’
 
The Heat on Thursday entertained Allen, who has played the last five seasons with Boston. The most they can offer Allen is the $3.09 million taxpayer exception for next season, which is what they’ve done. The total offer is for $9.53 million over three years.
 
Miami’s chances to land Allen improved Thursday when the Los Angeles Clippers reached an agreement with free-agent swingman Jamal Crawford and canceled a Friday visit with Allen, a 16-year man who turns 37 July 20. So the Celtics, who have offered Allen a two-year, $12 million deal to re-sign, might be Miami’s only serious remaining competition.
 
While Allen is the Heat’s top priority for the $3.09 million taxpayer exception, Lewis could be a backup choice. However, with Lewis having been bought out June 30 by New Orleans for $13.8 million of the $22.1 million due in the final year of a deal, an ideal scenario for Miami would be getting Allen and then Lewis for the $1.35 million veteran’s minimum.

Would Lewis be willing to take that amount with the Heat if they reach a deal with Allen for the larger amount? Bryant referred that question to lead agent Tony Dutt, who did not immediately return a message.
 
Bryant said Atlanta and New York are also being looked at closely by Lewis and other teams still could join the mix. With players able to sign deals starting Wednesday, Bryant said Lewis wants to make a decision “soon.’’
 
Lewis, who plays both forward spots, has great range for a guy 6-foot-10. With defenses concentrating on Heat stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, he would figure to get plenty of open looks if he signed with Miami.
 
Lewis, who turns 33 Aug. 8, has 14-year career averages of 16.1 points and 5.6 rebounds. He was an All-Star in 2004-05 with Seattle and in 2008-09 with Orlando, when he helped the Magic to the NBA Finals.
 
Lewis, however, has fallen off since then. Bothered by a knee injury, he played in just 28 games last season with Washington, averaging 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds. Lewis was dealt June 20 to New Orleans, and the Hornets bought him out 10 days later.
 
“He’s healthy,’’ Bryant said of Lewis, who was Allen’s teammate in Seattle from February 2003 through the 2006-07 season. “He’s 100 percent. He’s been working out every day (in Las Vegas). He’s moving well. He’s motivated and excited (to join a new NBA team).’’
 
Whether that team will be the Heat soon will be known.
 
Chris Tomasson can be reached at christomasson@hotmail.com or on Twitter @christomasson