After the Miami Heat waived Rodney McGruder on Sunday, the Los Angeles Clippers claimed the forward on Tuesday.
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Clippers claim Miami forward Rodney McGruder off waivers, league source tells ESPN. He isn’t playoff eligible.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 9, 2019
McGruder, 27, was with the Heat since 2016. Before he landed in Miami, McGruder played on various Summer League teams and overseas in Hungary. The Heat molded the youngster into a productive rotational player.
The small forward was having a career year this season, putting up 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Although McGruder was picked up before the regular season concluded, he will be unable to participate in the upcoming postseason.
Meanwhile, the Heat now fall under the luxury tax as a result of the Clippers’ addition of the journeyman.
As a result of Rodney McGruder being claimed by the LA Clippers, the Miami Heat will now fall under the luxury tax. The claim saves the Heat a projected $5.2M ($2.1M toward the luxury tax and $3.1M in tax distribution money they will now receive).
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) April 9, 2019
As the Heat wrap up their last few transactions of the regular season, all attention will turn to franchise legend Dwyane Wade. The 16-year veteran will likely play for the last time at American Airlines Arena on Tuesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.
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