A day after trading reserve point guard Chris Quinn to clear room to potentially add free agent Rafer Alston, Miami guaranteed Carlos Arroyo's $1.1 million contract for the season.
The Heat faced a 6 p.m. deadline Wednesday to release Arroyo and avoid an additional luxury tax expense or guarantee his one-year deal for the rest of the season.
Coach Erik Spoelstra said Arroyo's play this season, particularly the 10 games he started before Wednesday, factored into the decision.
``It was never really a concern,'' Spoelstra said of the decision. ``He's done everything we've asked.''
That still didn't keep Arroyo from knocking on Spoelstra's office door at AmericanAirlines Arena as the deadline neared.
There was some uncertainty because team president Pat Riley's desire to reduce Miami's luxury tax bill, which stands at about $2 million after the Quinn trade.
``I talked to coach, and I thanked him for [keeping] me,'' said Arroyo, a former FIU standout in his eighth NBA season. ``To have an opportunity like this, you have to be grateful for it and count your blessings.''
WADE ON ALSTON
Heat guard Dwyane Wade said he would embrace Alston's return to Miami. The two were teammates during Wade's rookie season in 2003-04.
Alston was released by the Nets on Tuesday and plans to sign with the Heat for the season. The earliest Alston could join Miami is 6 p.m. Thursday, which would fall after the Heat's practice in Phoenix to start a six-game trip.
``It would be great to reunite with a guy like that,'' Wade said. ``You just know what to expect of a veteran guy like him.''
O'NEAL RETURNS
Jermaine O'Neal was back in the Heat's starting lineup after he sat out Monday's game with a strained right groin and hip.
``I had one of my best workouts of the season, and I feel good,'' O'Neal said of his session with team trainers before Wednesday's game.
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