(Miami, FL) — The Miami Heat have officially signed rookie swingman Justise Winslow to a three-year contract worth nearly $2.5 million.
The 6’6,” 225-pound forward was expected to be a high lottery pick in last week’s NBA Draft, but surprisingly fell to the Heat at No. 10. He just may have been the steal of the draft.
The Sun Sentinel‘s Ira Winderman reports Winslow’s contract is guaranteed for the first two seasons, with a team option for the third. The Heat could keep Winslow for a fourth year with a 27.5 percent raise, which would make the former Duke Blue Devil a restricted free agent prior to his fifth season in the league.
In one season at Duke University, Winslow averaged 12.6 points on .486 percent shooting, to go along with 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Winslow increased his production to 14.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest during the NCAA Tournament, helping lead the Blue Devils to the National Championship.
Winslow is an athletic, two-way wing who can contribute immediately to the Heat, though he will probably begin his career backing up veteran forward Luol Deng and star guard Dwyane Wade. It could be a perfect apprenticeship for the freshman, and if Miami is able to re-sign center Hassan Whiteside next summer, the team will have a talented young duo to build around as they transition to the next era of Heat basketball.
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