Heat reach deal to sign Rashard Lewis

The Miami Heat have agreed to sign free-agent forward Rashard Lewis to a two-year contract, Lewis' agents Tony Dutt and Colin Bryant told Yahoo! Sports.

Lewis will receive the $1.35 million veteran’s minimum next season. The second year of the contract is a player’s option. The New Orleans Hornets recently bought out the final year of Lewis' six-year, $118 million contract he signed in 2007 with the Orlando Magic. He is guaranteed to receive at least $10 million this season from the Hornets, in addition to his contract from the Heat.

Lewis, 32, averaged 7.8 points in 28 games last season for the Washington Wizards, but is still considered one of the league's better 3-point threats. The Heat have strengthened their championship roster this offseason, also agreeing to terms on a contract with Boston Celtics free-agent guard Ray Allen. Miami also unsuccessfully tried to sign veteran center Marcus Camby.

Lewis and Allen will help improve the Heat's depth. In addition to their three stars – LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh – the Heat also have guard Mario Chalmers, swingman Shane Battier, center Joel Anthony, guard Norris Cole, forward Udonis Haslem, swingman James Jones, center Dexter Pittman and guard Mike Miller under contract.

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