Sources: Heat free up roster spot

— -- The Miami Heat opened a roster spot Thursday by trading backup guard Roger Mason Jr. and cash to the Sacramento Kings for a highly protected second-round draft pick, sources told ESPN.com.

Mason will be waived by the Kings and become a free agent, and the pick the Kings are trading to the Heat likely will never convey.

The Heat were interested in having a roster spot open so they can add a free agent that may become available in the next week. They are looking for a veteran wing player.

Mason averaged 3.0 points in 25 games for the Heat this season.