Heat Continue Discussions With Free Agent Precious Achiuwa
heat-continue-discussions-with-precious-achiuwa-2025
The Miami Heat remain in contact with free-agent forward/center Precious Achiuwa as the organization explores ways to fortify its frontcourt, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Miami’s depth in the middle is thin behind Bam Adebayo, who has publicly stated he prefers not to log extended minutes at center. The current alternatives include second-year center Kelel Ware and two-way rookie Vladislav Goldin. Forwards Nikola Jović and Keshad Johnson could also see time at the five, though both are considered undersized for the role.
The Heat have examined several veteran options in recent weeks. Free agents Kai Jones and Trey Lyles were previously linked to the club, while former Miami center Thomas Bryant is still on the market.
Roster flexibility remains a pressing concern. Signing a 15th player to a minimum deal would push Miami over the luxury-tax threshold, prompting internal discussions about waiving Terry Rozier. The guard’s $26.64 million salary for 2025-26 is only partially guaranteed for $24.92 million, and releasing him would create roughly $1.72 million in additional space.
Team officials have also debated waiting until December, when a prorated veteran minimum would fit under the tax line, or adding a player now and moving below the tax by cutting Rozier on or before Jan. 7. An injury that sidelines Rozier for the season would obligate Miami to pay his full salary, complicating any tax-avoidance strategy.
Achiuwa, who turns 26 later this month, was selected 20th overall by Miami in the 2020 draft. He was sent to Toronto in the 2021 Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade and landed with the New York Knicks in the December 2023 deal that brought OG Anunoby to Madison Square Garden. In 57 games last season, the 6-foot-8 big man averaged 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist across 20.5 minutes, shooting .502 from the field and .278 from three-point range.
Source: Hoops Rumors
