Miami Heat to Sign Erick Dampier

Now that surgery for Udonis Haslem has been confirmed, the Heat had no choice but to bring Dampier aboard. From CBS Sports: “The 35-year-old center arrived in Miami Monday night and, pending his passing of a medical exam, will join the team to replace Udonis Haslem, who is out until at least February with a torn ligament in his foot. The deal is for one year at the prorated veteran’s minimum, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The Heat will have to release a player to create a roster spot for Dampier, likely Dexter Pittman or Jamaal Magloire. The Heat previously worked out Dampier in September, but decided not to proceed with an offer. The Suns, Raptors, Rockets and Bucks pursued Dampier, who had a verbal agreement to join the Rockets. But Houston surprisingly backed away after failing to clear a roster spot for Dampier. In the end, Dampier got his preferred situation: a title contender forced to accelerate its pursuit of him based on a need that arose during the season. His patience, it turns out, paid off. Another team inquired about Dampier Monday: the Hornets, who caused Dampier to give them serious consideration based on their 11-1 start. But the Heat remained the ideal fit from Dampier’s perspective, and he becomes the latest free agent to join Miami’s title pursuit — albeit under unfortunate circumstances.”