MIAMI — The Heat have turned to a familiar face to address their most obvious weakness. The Heat are bringing back power forward/center Precious Achiuwa on a veteran minimum, non-guaranteed deal, according to Shams Charania.
Heat Bring Back Former First-Round Pick Precious Achiuwa To Address Glaring Issue
The agreement adds much-needed depth to a rotation that previously featured only Bam Adebayo, rookie Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jović, and two-way player Vlad Goldin. For a team that often looked undersized, the move fills a pressing gap.
Cap Implications And Roster Flexibility
The reunion does not come without financial consequence. Miami had carefully maneuvered under the luxury tax earlier this summer, trading Haywood Highsmith to Brooklyn in a salary-clearing deal. Now, by adding Achiuwa, the Heat move back above the tax line. His $2.3 million contract counts toward both cap and tax calculations. Still, Miami has until season’s end to find a path back under the threshold if needed. The Heat currently sit at the league maximum of 21 players under contract, meaning another roster move will be required before Achiuwa’s signing is finalized.
Revisiting Achiuwa’s Journey
Precious Achiuwa in a Heat jersey is not new. Miami drafted him 20th overall in 2020 after his lone season at Memphis. He was later packaged with Goran Dragić in the deal that brought Kyle Lowry to South Florida. Lowry himself was shipped to Charlotte last January in the trade for Terry Rozier, completing a winding transaction tree. Since leaving Miami, Achiuwa has played for both Toronto and New York. The Knicks acquired him in the blockbuster OG Anunoby trade but declined to retain him this summer.
Achiuwa’s Role And Recent Production
At 6-foot-8 and 243 pounds, Achiuwa has often played as an undersized center. With the Knicks last season, he appeared in 57 games, starting 10. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game. He also logged postseason minutes, making eight playoff appearances. His production was steady but not enough to secure a new deal in New York, where Mitchell Robinson’s return reduced his opportunities.
What It Means For Miami
Regarding Precious Achiuwa’s reunion with the Heat, expectations are straightforward. He is not guaranteed a roster spot, but his skill set fits an immediate need. Miami values defensive versatility and rebounding, two areas where Achiuwa has shown flashes. With Adebayo as the lone proven big man, the Heat could benefit from Achiuwa’s energy and physicality. His signing also reflects how difficult the market has been for role players in an era of tax aprons and hard cap restrictions.
A Necessary Gamble
The Heat rarely leave their roster thin for long. While Achiuwa may not shift Miami’s championship ceiling, his presence gives the team insurance. The cost is minimal and the upside worthwhile. Miami has plugged a glaring hole with a familiar piece, even if the final roster math remains unsettled.
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