Should the Miami Heat Sign Former Lottery Pick to Final Roster Spot?

MIAMI, Fla. – Former Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter was reportedly waived by the Atlanta Hawks, opening the door for the Miami Heat to round out the roster and address a need ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The 24-year-old is coming off a productive second year in the league. Carter averaged 8.9 points on 41.4 percent shooting, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 38 games (12 starts). This summer, he was traded to the Hawks in exchange for Alpha Kaba and a 2033 second-round pick. Despite being the No. 13 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the journey for the West Palm Beach (Fla.) native hasn’t gone smoothly.

Carter’s rookie season was derailed because of a torn left shoulder labrum injury, which was sustained in a pre-draft workout. He still managed to stay inside the lottery, but his debut wouldn’t come until after six months of rehabilitation. Carter was cleared to return to the court a month ahead of the All-Star break.

The Kings’ rookie was a rotational piece the rest of the 2024-25 season. Carter averaged just 3.8 points on 37 percent shooting, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 36 games. Despite a small sample size of production, becoming a lottery pick doesn’t happen by accident, at least in most cases.

Carter played three seasons of college basketball, splitting stints at the University of South Carolina and Providence College. As a junior, he averaged 19.7 points on 47.3 percent shooting, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals in 33 games (all starts) with the Friars. Carter was named Big East Player of the Year.

The Heat are familiar with the family name, as Anthony Carter (father) played four seasons with the organization. He was recently an assistant on the Memphis Grizzlies’ coaching staff until the 2024-25 season concluded.

Carter is eligible to sign a two-way contract, which the Heat can free up by waiving a player. However, a standard would likely get any deal done with any team. The Boston Celtics are reportedly showing interest in Carter. Once he clears waivers, it’s off to the races.

The Heat’s current point guard depth: Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, and Tre Donaldson (two-way). Carter would strengthen the rotation, providing youth and untapped potential. The Heat are among the best at developing talent, which can help Carter’s professional basketball career in the long run.

A decision could be made in the upcoming weeks.

Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports