MIAMI, FL – The Miami HEAT announced today that they have traded center Dexter Pittman, a 2013 second round draft choice and cash considerations to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the draft rights to forward Ricky Sanchez.
“I want to thank Dexter for his hard work and professional attitude,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “Unfortunately, in order to gain roster flexibility we had to trade someone. We wish him nothing but the best.”
Sanchez, a 6’11, 220-lb forward, was originally drafted in the second round (35th overall) in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He appeared in 75 NBA Development League games (22 starts) for the Idaho Stampede from 2006-08 and averaged 10.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 25.1 minutes while shooting 41.4 percent from the field. The Puerto Rican native currently plays for Libertad de Sunchales (Argentina), appearing in 28 games this season and averaging 12.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 31.9 minutes while shooting 42.2 percent from the field.
Pittman, who was originally drafted by the HEAT in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft, appeared in 41 career games (six starts) with Miami and averaged 2.8 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 47.1 percent from the field. He is currently on assignment with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League.