Heat Rumors: Dewayne Dedmon, 2nd-Round Draft Pick Traded to Spurs Before Deadline

Amid speculation that Jakob Poeltl could be moved before Thursday's trade deadline, the San Antonio Spurs are reportedly bringing in veteran center Dewayne Dedmon.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Spurs will acquire Dedmon from the Miami Heat, along with a second-round draft pick.

According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the Heat received cash considerations and moved $5 million under the luxury-tax line by dumping Dedmon's salary.

Dedmon signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Heat in July. He is owed $4.7 million this season and has a non-guaranteed $4.3 million salary for 2023-24 that becomes fully guaranteed two days after the free-agent moratorium period ends this summer.

Poeltl's name has been the subject of trade rumors leading up to the deadline. Charania reported last week the 27-year-old could be moved to the Eastern Conference with the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics among the interested suitors.

NBA insider Marc Stein noted Jan. 21 the Spurs hope to re-sign Poeltl, who seeks a deal worth $20 million annually, this summer.

If the Spurs don't think they can re-sign Poeltl or want to add future assets by trading him, acquiring Dedmon gives them a center who can finish out the season as their starter.

If Poeltl doesn't get traded, Dedmon is a decent backup 5 for a Spurs team that's looking toward the future. The 33-year-old averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 30 appearances for Miami this season.

The Heat might have more flexibility to make a bigger move now that they are $5 million under the luxury tax. They are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a 29-25 record.