Finally, Payton

The Heat signed Gary Payton to a veteran minimum contract of $1.1M earlier today. This was the same kind of contract the Heat re-signed Shandon Anderson to only a few days earlier.

This is a coup, ladies and gentlemen. Why? The Heat not only obtained an experienced point guard with a wide assortment of skills, but got him on board for huge value. The Heat still retain their $5 million mid-level salary cap exception as well as their $1.9 million trade exception.

But make no mistake, this is not a surprise, no matter what some reports may claim. The Heat have been looking at Payton for some time now, the most recent mentionings coming into the press on September 11th - but this courtship has been going on since late July, early August. Here are some sources:

Shaq wants Payton
Miami Heatzone Discussion Sept. 11
Miami Heatzone Discussion Sept. 5
Miami Herald - Heat contact Payton Aug. 9

Apparently, trade talks with the Wizards had broken down and the Heat opted not to go after Blake but instead focus on their discussions with Payton.