MIAMI - Over the years, the Miami Heat have seen Josh Smith put up some big games against them, and more than a few clunkers as well.

Now the Heat wouldn't mind seeing what he does in their colours.

Heat guard Dwyane Wade said Tuesday that he's supporting the team's quest to add Smith, who became available somewhat unexpectedly earlier this week when the Detroit Pistons — who signed him to a four-year, $54 million deal in July 2013 — waived the enigmatic small forward.

"My initial thought with Josh Smith is the same as anyone's initial thoughts," Wade said. "He's a very talented guy who in the right situation can help a team."

Miami hopes Smith thinks having a chance to start alongside Wade and Chris Bosh is that right situation.

And the Heat could use some help at forward with Josh McRoberts likely to miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery on Monday.

That surgery allowed the Heat to apply to the NBA for an exception that would allow them to offer Smith a contract worth about $2.6 million. The NBA continued to collect information on Tuesday about that possible exception, though it's unclear when a decision will be made.

The Heat wasted little time making overtures toward Smith, who has not informed them of any decision and is being pursued by several clubs, including Houston and Dallas.

Miami has made a number of low-risk, high-reward moves in recent years, like bringing in Chris Andersen — who has been a key part of the Heat almost since the moment he arrived.

Smith would figure to fall into that same category. For relatively little money, the Heat could add someone who's averaged 15.4 points per game in his career and just turned 29 years old. But Smith shot a career-worst 42 per cent last season, and was at a 39 per cent clip when the Pistons waived him.

"He has a decision to make," Wade said. "A lot of teams would welcome him with open arms. We're no different."