While he welcomed a possible reunion with Kyrie Irving in South Beach, Miami guard Dion Waiters reminded his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate that he’s the Heat’s “alpha male” now. “Just know there’s an alpha male over there too in myself,” Waiters said when asked by HipHop1987 about the possibility of Irving joining the Heat. Earlier, Irving demanded a trade from the Cavaliers, saying he wants to be the No. 1 option on a team. The Heat were one of four teams mentioned by Irving as possible trade destinations. He also wants to be traded to the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Waiters said he wasn’t surprised with Irving’s demand for a trade, saying they have had several discussions. The two remained in contact even after Waiters was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder midway through the 2014-15 season.
Waiters not surprised with Irving's decision
Waiters said “I knew what’s up” when asked about Irving’s decision to request a trade, adding that he respects that move. “He won one. It’s time for him to go take on a bigger role, be that leader, be that guy,” said Waiters, adding that there’s nothing wrong with that. According to Waiters, Irving knows what it takes to win as he learned that from playing with James for four years. Waiters also heaped praises on James for taking him under his wings since he returned to Cleveland in 2014.
“Every little thing, how to take care of his body, he’s a pro’s pro, a true professional,” said Waiters.
Waiters signed $52 million deal with Heat
Waiters is ready to assume the leadership role with the Heat after signing a four-year deal worth $52 million in the offseason. He opted out of the two-year deal that he signed last season to test the market but eventually decided to stick with the Heat.
Last season, Waiters placed third in team scoring with 15.8 points per game, next to Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, who averaged 20.3 points and 17.0 points, respectively. A fourth overall pick by the Cavaliers in the 2014 Draft, he played 3 ½ seasons in Cleveland before he was shipped to the Thunder where he suited up for 1 ½ seasons.
Aside from Waiters, the Heat also signed free agent Kelly Olynyk to a four-year deal worth $50 million. They also rewarded James Johnson with a four-year pact worth $60 million. Recently, it was reported that the Heat offered Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow to the Cavaliers for Irving. However, days later, the Heat denied making such an offer. #Miami Heat
