Miami Heat waive Derrick Williams, sign Okaro White to 2-year deal

The Miami Heat made the decision Monday to waive forward Derrick Williams in order to make room to sign Okaro White to a contract for the remainder of the season and a partial guarantee for next season.

The Heat were granted an exception to sign a 16th player in light of all the injuries they were facing. But with Josh Richardson set to return soon, they would not be allowed to continue that permission.

Okaro White’s second 10-day contract expired, and the Heat, 10-0 with White, decided they like him enough to be willing to potentially eat the contract ($5 million) of Derrick Williams to make it happen.

Williams could still be claimed off of waivers, thus lightening the load of the contract obligations for Miami. It’s possible a team like the Denver Nuggets could claim him since they are well below the salary floor.

Williams never really found a consistent spot with this team. He started a slew of games, but even amid all the injuries in the front court, he couldn’t see the floor. He’s been a tremendous teammate even in this stretch.

White will remain with the Heat for the rest of this season, and the Heat will deal with the decision on his future at next season’s training camp.