Smith Jr. Rumor Stalls Against Miami's Tight Cap

By the Heat Nightly Desk · Friday, October 9

Heat.com confirmed the signings of Kylor Kelley and Gabe Madsen, and an October 9 report on Heat-Nets roster moves carries a confirmed tag from Anthony Chiang. The September 27 report that the Heat would sign Dennis Smith Jr. still has no transaction behind it, and Miami's $210.5 million payroll leaves little room to add a guaranteed contract.

Smith Jr. Still Unconfirmed

Hoops Rumors reported on September 27 that the Heat would sign Dennis Smith Jr., with a confidence score of 31, the lowest active mark in this check. Six weeks later, no transaction has followed. The name is circulating, not signed.

Two Real Signings

Heat.com reported the team signed Kylor Kelley and Gabe Madsen. A separate October 9 report from Anthony Chiang, grouped as Heat-Nets roster moves, also carries a confirmed status. Both are completed moves, not rumors.

Mbeng, Schieffelin Already Settled

A September 22 report had the Heat claiming Bez Mbeng off waivers at a confidence score of 30; a September 25 report had Ian Schieffelin signing an Exhibit 10 deal at 29. Both players now sit on the active roster, so the outcome beat the confidence score attached to either report.

The Cap Problem

Miami carries $210.5 million in salary, above the $209.0 million first apron and the $200.4 million tax threshold, with a $221.7 million second apron above that. Giannis Antetokounmpo ($58.5 million), Bam Adebayo ($49.8 million) and Wiggins ($30.2 million) make up the bulk of it. Any further addition has to clear that math first.

Larsson Extension, Bottom Line

The September 18 report of a four-year extension for Pelle Larsson sits at a confidence score of 21 with no follow-up in three weeks, the weakest signal here. Two moves are confirmed. Everything else stays speculation until a transaction appears.

Is Dennis Smith Jr. joining the Heat?

Not confirmed. The September 27 report carries a confidence score of 31 and no transaction has followed it since.

Did the Heat sign anyone new this week?

Yes. Heat.com reported signings for Kylor Kelley and Gabe Madsen, and an October 9 report on Heat-Nets roster moves is marked confirmed.