Turiaf close to signing with Heat

Free-agent forward Ronny Turiaf is close to signing with the Miami Heat, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein.

Turiaf, who was bought out by the Denver Nuggets after being sent there from Washington before the trade deadline, is eager to play again after breaking his left hand for a second time in early January. He has been out ever since, but will help the Heat's front-court depth heading into the postseason.

The likely deal, according to Bartelstein, will be for the veteran's minimum and run through the end of the season with a player option for next season that is, in essence, "an insurance policy," Bartelstein said.

"We're closing in on getting something done," he added. "Right now [Turiaf] wants to be with a good team. It's been a tough year for him with the injury, and he knows he can play at a high level. It should be really good."

In seven seasons, Turiaf has averaged 5.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while playing an average of 17.9 minutes with the Lakers, Warriors, Knicks and Wizards.

Yahoo! Sports first reported Turiaf's likely deal.