National Basketball Association

Heat trim three from training camp roster

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:24 p.m. ET

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Ahead of next Monday's deadline to set their regular season roster at 15 players, the Miami Heat trimmed their training camp roster on Thursday by releasing Tyler Johnson, Shawn Jones and Larry Drew II.

The release of Drew, who was signed on Monday to his second stint with the Heat in two years, was expected so that the team can assign him to their D-League affiliate team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He played for the Skyforce last season after spending time with the Heat during training camp and averaged 11.4 points, 7.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 41 games. He also played for the Heat in 11 games during Summer League this year.

Johnson intrigued the Heat with his athleticism and explosiveness around the rim but was ultimately deemed expendable with head coach Erik Spoelstra utilizing Mario Chalmers off the bench as a combo guard. He made one appearance in the preseason against the San Antonio Spurs and totaled 17 points, four steals and four rebounds in 17 minutes of action.

Among a crowded Heat frontcourt, Jones was unable to make a name for himself. The power forward out of Middle Tennessee played in four preseason games for the Heat and averaged 3.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.5 blocks.

The Heat will likely choose between undrafted rookies Khem Birch or Andre Dawkins for the final roster spot with veterans Shannon Brown and Justin Hamilton expected to make the team. NBA teams can assign four players from their training camp roster to their D-League affiliate team.

You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.

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