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Heat Showing Interest in Reuniting With Former First-Round Pick During Free Agency: Report

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Miami Heat

Sep 11, 2025 4:40 PM EDT

The Miami Heat are coming off a disappointing season that saw them finish 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, though they were able to play their way to the eighth seed through the Play-In Tournament.

Despite this, Miami struggled without Jimmy Butler, who they traded to the Golden State Warriors last season.

Now the Heat will look to bounce back this season behind their star duo of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, along with some key additions they made to their roster this offseason.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14), guard Davion Mitchell (45), forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and center Bam Adebayo (13) high five after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter...

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14), guard Davion Mitchell (45), forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and center Bam Adebayo (13) — Source: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Miami acquired Simone Fontecchio from the Detroit Pistons in the sign-and-trade that sent Duncan Robinson to Detroit and they also landed Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team trade that included the Utah Jazz.

With these additions, the Heat are looking to make a playoff run this season but they do have some key holes to fill on their roster.

Due to this, Miami has reportedly been targeting one of their former first-round picks in free agency to bolster their frontcourt depth.

Heat Showing Interest in Precious Achiuwa

According to Heat insider Ira Winderman, Miami has contacted free agent center Precious Achiuwa.

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Of course, Achiuwa was the 20th overall pick in the 2020 draft by Miami, though he played only one season with them.

After his rookie campaign, the Heat traded the 25-year-old big man to the Toronto Raptors in the deal that landed them Kyle Lowry.

Precious Achiuwa — Source: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Achiuwa then spent three seasons in Toronto before he was sent to the New York Knicks during the 2023-24 season in the trade that landed New York OG Anunoby.

Now the young big man remains a free agent after spending last season with the Knicks, where he played a key role off the bench.

Last season, Achiuwa averaged 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 50.2% from the field and 27.8% from three.

Source: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

For the Heat, signing Achiuwa would bolster their frontcourt depth while also giving them another solid inside scorer and defender, which they could use to make a run at a playoff spot this season.

Despite this, Miami could also look elsewhere to upgrade their depth ahead of the start of the regular season as they try to bounce back after struggling last season.

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