Heat trade Dexter Pittman to Grizzlies for exception

Sam Amick, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

The Miami Heat traded center Dexter Pittman and a 2013 second-round draft pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for a trade exception and the rights to Ricky Sanchez, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the trade has not been made public.

Pittman played 41 games in 2½ seasons with the Heat, receiving limited minutes. His playing time was cut even more this season, as he has been sent to the NBA Development League several times. The 6-11, 308-pound center showed a soft touch at the University of Texas but has struggled to stay in shape throughout his career.

Sanchez was the 35th pick in the 2005 NBA draft but never reached the NBA. He has played in the D-League, Continental Basketball Association and National Superior Basketball League of Puerto Rico, where he is from.

The trade exception comes from when the Grizzlies acquired Sanchez's rights from the Philadelphia 76ers for Sam Young.