The Miami Heat are revisiting a reunion with former first-round pick Precious Achiuwa as they seek a true backup center behind Bam Adebayo. Financial limits complicate moves, with Thomas Bryant also monitored and Terry Rozier’s contract looming as a possible salary solution.
The Miami Heat are exploring tweaks to their frontcourt rotation after Bam Adebayo voiced a desire to log more minutes at power forward.
Precious Achiuwa
Precious Achiuwa
Position: SF
Age: 25
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 102 kg
Birth place: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The All-Star big man wants to ease the physical wear of constantly battling larger centers, prompting Miami to search for a true backup at the five. Currently, the Heat’s depth includes sophomore Kel’el Ware and two-way big man Vlad Goldin, alongside forwards Nikola Jovic and Keshad Johnson.
But none provide the reliable interior presence Miami needs. That has led the team to reopen talks with a familiar face: Precious Achiuwa.
According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman, the Heat are in “ongoing discussions” with Achiuwa, their 2020 first-round pick, about a possible return.
The 25-year-old began his career in Miami before being included in the Kyle Lowry trade to Toronto in 2021. After a stint with the Raptors, he landed in New York last season as part of the OG Anunoby deal, where he averaged 7.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 106 games for the Knicks.
Now a free agent, Achiuwa’s market is limited, but his youth and athleticism still make him an intriguing depth option. New York is unlikely to bring him back after signing Guerschon Yabusele earlier this summer.
The Heat are also keeping tabs on another ex-center, Thomas Bryant, who played briefly in Miami before finishing last season with Indiana. Yet financial hurdles loom: Miami sits just $1.8 million below the luxury tax threshold, leaving little flexibility to add a veteran minimum deal.
One possible route, Winderman suggested, would be to buy out Terry Rozier’s $24.9 million contract by January 10. Whether through Achiuwa or another move, Miami faces the delicate challenge of reinforcing its frontcourt without compromising its financial structure — all while keeping Adebayo fresh and effective for another deep playoff run.
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