The Washington Wizards have made it clear that they would like to re-sign their key free agents, Trevor Ariza and Marcin Gortat, but they’ve also expressed interest in retaining some of their role players.

Garrett Temple joined the Wizards during the 2012-2013 NBA season on a non-guaranteed contract, but ended up cracking the rotation after displaying effort on defense and an ability to get his teammates involved. Garrett Temple earned a 1-year deal with the Wizards for the following season and actually became their primary backup point guard after Eric Maynor failed to live up to expectations. Temple continued to provide solid defense and play making, but didn’t really give the Wizards a scoring relief and eventually fell out of the rotation after Washington acquired Andre Miller from the Denver Nuggets.

Despite not really playing a big role for the team, Washington did reportedly express interest in bringing Garrett Temple back next season. At 6’6″, Garrett Temple has the length and defensive ability to be effective in Washington’s system, but his veteran leadership and support was praised by his teammates and coaching staff throughout the season.

I wouldn’t expect Garrett Temple to receive a ton of interest from around the league, but according to Tim Reynolds of AP Sports, he’s leaning towards signing with the Miami Heat.

Garrett Temple leaning toward Miami, I'm told. — Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 7, 2014

Garrett Temple had a short stint with the Miami Heat in 2012 prior to getting waived and playing in the NBA Developmental League.

As of right now, Mario Chalmers‘ future with the Heat is still uncertain, and adding Garrett Temple to their roster could give Miami some depth at both guard positions. Now, Temple won’t “wow” anybody with his skills, but he’s still a solid defender and has displayed an ability to get his teammates involved.

If Garrett Temple does end up leaving this summer, the Wizards could potentially fill the void with one of their summer league invitees. Deonte Burton and Maalik Wayns are both on Washington’s summer league roster.

Garrett Temple supposedly had mutual interest in returning to the nation’s capital, but it looks like he might end up in Miami.