Miami in Finley Sweepstakes
Will the former Dallas star sign with the Heat?
29 Aug, Miami – Former Dallas Captain Michael Finley has finally auditioned for the Miami Heat. Miami have access to the full mid level exception, to use on Finley are expected to nab the hot commodity from the Free Agency market.
Finley practiced in Chicago, in front of executives from the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat; all teams vying for the services of the 32 year old swingman who was waived by Dallas. He showed the suitors that he still had what it takes to play as Finley made jumper after jumper and made a couple of surprising dunks.
Kevin Garnett who was there on business grounds was surprised, “I didn’t know Mike still had that much energy in him.” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was impressed by the form of the swingman, “It’s great to see him (Finley) playing well. He will be an asset to any team.”
Finley is reportedly looking for a destination that will give him the highest chance of winning a championship ring. Many analysts have also pointed out that the shooting guard is also looking for a decent amount of playing time and money. “Even though the Mavericks still owe him money, it’s logical that if Mike has two different teams bidding for him and they are both quality clubs, he’d take the one with the bigger contract,” his agent said.
Miami’s new director of player movement Will Sit had met with Finley and later said, “Mike’s considering our team at the moment. Obviously, there are other teams who will give him more burn on the court but as far as that ring and money goes, we’re tops!” Finley is expected to choose Miami as the chances of signing with a West Coast team were minimized by rumors that he had agreed with Dallas to go to the Eastern Conference.
Finely was present in Chicago with other free agents Eddy Curry and Damon Jones. Curry who experienced heart problems late last year hasn’t received the lucrative contract he had thought would come automatically after the Bulls’ postseason. Damon Jones turned down a contract extension to pursue and consider other opportunities in the free agent market.