The nice thing about signing a player that was released via the Amnesty clause is that they’re more willing to take pay cuts upon becoming free agents because their old team is still paying them.
Chris Andersen gives Miami Heat an Amnesty discount to stay
We saw Andray Blatche give the Brooklyn Nets a discount on his new deal because the Washington Wizards are still paying him. Now, we saw Chris Andersen do the same for the Miami Heat, signing a below-market, one-year, $1.7 million contract because he's still getting a check from the Denver Nuggets.
That’s huge for the Heat. They desperately needed Birdman’s energy and pick and roll ability, but also couldn’t break the bank for him given their massive luxury-tax bill. The Heat’s regular-season surge coincided with Birdman’s arrival, and while he had some moments where he wasn’t used much in the playoffs, he’s an important bench piece on a team that lacks depth. Miami had to keep him, and it found a way to do so affordably.
GRADE: A
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