The Heat reportedly have a strong mutual interest with Nick Richards and are considering using their final roster spot on the veteran center after recently adding Klay Thompson.
The Miami Heat could be closing in on another addition after strengthening their roster with Klay Thompson.
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, there is "strong mutual interest" between Miami and free-agent center Nick Richards, with the Heat planning to use their final open roster spot on a backup big man.
Richards would give Miami another traditional center option and help complete the team's new-look rotation ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The development comes shortly after Miami landed Thompson following his buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
Heat turn attention to frontcourt
With Thompson set to join the team, Miami now has one standard roster spot available, and Sidery reports that the organization intends to use it on a backup big.
Richards has emerged as a prominent candidate for that role.
The 6-foot-11 center has already been around the organization this offseason. Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson previously reported that Richards had been working out with Heat players at Kaseya Center, although Miami had not made him a formal offer at that stage.
Richards could provide size, rebounding and rim protection behind Miami's established frontcourt pieces in Bam Adebayo and Bobby Portis while requiring little offensive usage.
Richards has played for three NBA teams
Richards entered the NBA as the No. 42 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft after spending three seasons at Kentucky.
He began his professional career with the Charlotte Hornets and spent his first four-plus seasons with the organization before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in January 2025.
Phoenix acquired Richards and a second-round pick in exchange for Josh Okogie and three second-round selections.
Richards remained with Phoenix until February 2026, when he was sent to the Chicago Bulls as part of a three-team trade also involving the Milwaukee Bucks.
During the 2025-26 season, the 28-year-old Richards appeared in 48 games between Phoenix and Chicago, averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 51.2% from the field.
Across six NBA seasons, Richards has played 305 regular-season games, including 114 starts, and has career averages of 7.1 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 62.1% from the field.
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