Patty Mills, an experienced guard, has officially joined the Miami Heat, the organization said in a press release.
The rest of the season is Mills’ contract, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
The Heat also announced that they had dismissed guard Dru Smith, who had knee surgery in December that ended his season, in conjunction with the acquisition of Mills.
With an average of 2.7 points in just 19 games, 35-year-old Mills has had a relatively little role with the Atlanta Hawks. He is 6-foot-2. Following a season in which he averaged 6.2 points in 40 games with the Brooklyn Nets, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in July.
One of the best backcourt backups in the NBA for a long time, Mills most famously played for the San Antonio Spurs from 2011 to 21 in his youth. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers during his first campaign. His career averages are 8.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.6 steals.
However, Mills wasn’t getting more playing time when Trae Young was out with an injury. He could be able to find a spot with the Heat, who are coming off a Finals trip.
Before being hurt, Smith, 26, who stands 6-3, averaged 4.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals in nine games with Miami this season.
