The Miami Heat have held discussions with free-agent big man Precious Achiuwa, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Achiuwa, who turns 26 later this month, began his NBA career in Miami before moving to Toronto in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade and spending the last season and a half with the New York Knicks.
Miami is seeking additional front-court help behind Bam Adebayo, who prefers to limit his minutes at center. Internal options currently include second-year forward Kelel Ware, rookie Vladislav Goldin, Nikola Jovic and Keshad Johnson. The Heat have also been linked to free-agent bigs Kai Jones and Trey Lyles, while former Heat center Thomas Bryant remains unsigned.
Adding even a veteran-minimum contract would push Miami into the luxury tax. Winderman reports the front office has discussed the possibility of waiving Terry Rozier, whose partially guaranteed $26.6 million deal would free roughly $1.7 million if cut before the Jan. 7 guarantee date. Buyout talks with Rozier have not progressed.
Kevin Love’s Utah Stint Expected to End Quickly
Kevin Love, 37, is widely expected to be traded or bought out by the Utah Jazz before opening night, per Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. Love arrived in July’s three-team trade that also sent Norman Powell to Miami and John Collins to the LA Clippers. He is on an expiring $4.15 million contract and no longer fits Utah’s plans after a 17-65 season. Hoops Wire reports a resolution could come within the next two weeks, with contenders monitoring his status.
Nets Lock In Ziaire Williams
The Brooklyn Nets have officially signed swingman Ziaire Williams to a two-year, $12.5 million contract that includes a team option for the second season, the club announced. Williams, 23, was acquired from Memphis last summer and averaged 10.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in 24.5 minutes while boosting his three-point shooting to 34.1 percent. He joins Day’Ron Sharpe and Cam Thomas as young core pieces secured this offseason. Brooklyn still holds significant cap space plus the $8.8 million room exception as roster construction continues.
Source: Hoops Wire
