76ers Rival Report: Miami Heat Add Big After Landing Kevin Love

The Miami Heat had a quiet trade deadline, but they have been active in the buyout market lately. On Sunday, Miami added not one but two prospects to add to their front court.

Cody Zeller will be the latest addition to the Heat. According to the Miami Herald, Miami will use its final roster spot to ink the ten-year veteran.

The 30-year-old former fourth-overall pick hasn’t played in a game since last season. During the 2021-2022 run, Zeller played 27 games for the Portland Trail Blazers. He last appeared on the court on January 10, 2022, in a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.

Prior to his short-lived run with the Blazers, Zeller spent eight seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. Over a 467-game span, he averaged eight points, six rebounds, and one block while speeding around 23 minutes on the court per game.

Although Zeller anticipated playing with the Utah Jazz this season, as he signed with them back in September, he was waived before the start of the season. Now, he’ll pick back up with the Miami Heat.

While Zeller brings veteran experience and depth to a Miami Heat team, their eventual acquisition of Kevin Love will be their most notable acquisition of the buyout period.

Over the weekend, Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to a buyout. Although Love considered linking up with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Heat had a more desirable role to offer the veteran.

It’s unclear how much Love still has left in the tank for a playoff run with the Heat, but Miami could use the help off the bench in the front court, as they were reportedly strong players in the Jae Crowder market.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.