NBA Trade: Miami Heat trade Roger Mason Jr to Kings to create roster spot

Jan 7, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Roger Mason Jr. (21) dribbles against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 107-88. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

According to Ken Berger, CBS, the Miami Heat have agreed to trade Roger Mason Jr to the Sacramento Kings in an attempt to create a free roster spot.

The Heat will receive a protected future second-round pick in exchange. Basically, a pick that Miami will probably never see.

The Kings are expected to waive Mason Jr after acquiring him. Sacramento also received cash in exchange for “the trouble” of the trade, reports Marc Stein.

Miami had been looking to open a roster spot, in case any players of their liking happen to get bought out before the March 1 buyout deadline.

One name that could realistically get bought out, and makes sense for Miami, is Milwaukee’s Caron Butler. Nothing is certain, but I’m sure the Heat would love to get their hands on Butler.

Still, it appears that Milwaukee is “shopping” Butler around today, but if no one bites it’s a good possibility that he could get bought out. It’s not a forgone conclusion, but it’s a good enough chance that the Heat are doing their part.