Heat reserves exercise player options
Two Miami Heat bench-warmers, Rashard Lewis and James Jones, exercised player options Tuesday to remain with the NBA champions next season.
According to multiple media reports, Lewis will make $1.4 million, and Jones will receive $1.5 million.
Lewis, a 33-year-old forward, averaged 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 14.4 minutes over 55 games last season. In the playoffs, he appeared briefly in 11 games, averaging 1.5 points and 0.6 rebounds.
The 15-year veteran was in his first season in Miami. He previously played for the Seattle SuperSonics (1998-99 to 2006-07), the Orlando Magic (2007-08 to 2010-11) and the Washington Wizards (2010-11 and 2011-12). Lewis was an All-Star in 2005 and 2009. Over his final three years in Seattle, he averaged 20.9 points per game.
Jones, a 32-year-old forward, produced 1.6 points in 5.8 minutes per game over 38 regular-season appearances for the Heat last season. He averaged one point in 3.7 minutes over nine postseason games.
Jones finished his fifth season in Miami. He has past experience with the Indiana Pacers (2003-04 and 2004-05), Phoenix Suns (2005-06 and 2006-07) and Portland Trail Blazers (2007-08).
