Breaking: Pat Riley Explains Why Heat Withdrew Two-Way Qualifying Offers For Experienced Stars…

The Miami Heat have retracted their two-way qualifying offers to Cole Swider and Alondes Williams, making both players unrestricted free agents, as reported by Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. Previously, both Swider and Williams were on two-way contracts with the Heat for the 2023/24 season and had received qualifying offers for another one-year two-way deal.

Currently, the Heat’s three two-way contract slots are occupied by Keshad Johnson, Zyon Pullin, and Dru Smith. Additionally, signing another player to a standard contract would push the team over the second tax apron, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. Both Swider and Williams are participating in Miami’s summer league squad.

Swider, a 6’9″ forward, and Williams, a 6’4″ guard, went undrafted in 2022 from Syracuse and Wake Forest, respectively. While their NBA impact was minimal in the ’23/24 season, with a combined total of just 103 minutes, they thrived with the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Williams earned the title of NBAGL’s Most Improved Player and was the runner-up for the MVP award, securing a spot on the All-NBA G League First Team. Swider showcased his shooting prowess, averaging 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game with impressive shooting percentages (.485/.471/.846) in 21 Showcase Cup and regular season games for the Skyforce, logging 38.3 minutes per game.

There remains a possibility that Swider or Williams — or both — could re-sign with Miami on two-way deals if the team opts to make roster adjustments. Two-way contracts do not count against the salary cap or luxury tax, and players can be rotated in and out until late in the regular season.

Both players are 25 years old.

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