The Miami Heat have spent much of the offseason reshaping their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Klay Thompson became the latest major addition after reaching a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks. The four-time champion agreed to a two-year contract with Miami worth $11.48 million.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Klay Thompson’s contract starts at $5.6 million in 2026-27 and includes a $5.88 million player option for the following season, leaving the Heat enough flexibility to add two more players on veteran-minimum deals while staying under the hard cap. With that move complete, Miami can turn its attention to the final spot on the roster, and that search has led the Heat to Nick Richards, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
“The Heat would like to fill the 14th roster spot with a power rotation player, a source said. Former Bulls center Nick Richards, who has been working with Heat players at Kaseya Center, remains very much in play for that spot.”
In mid-August, the 6-foot-11 center was seen participating in drills and pickup games at the team’s facility alongside Bam Adebayo, Bobby Portis, Davion Mitchell and others. It was not the only instance, as Richards has reportedly spent the past couple of weeks training in Miami and has even been seen wearing Heat gear.
That does not guarantee a deal is coming, but it certainly makes the connection worth watching.
Miami has already assembled an imposing starting frontcourt. Antetokounmpo gives the Heat an elite two-way force, while Adebayo remains one of the league’s most versatile big men. The problem is that they do not currently have a traditional backup center that can consistently absorb those minutes.
Portis and Nikola Jovic can play at the four or slide into smaller lineups, but neither provides the same size and interior presence as a true center. Adding Richards would give head coach Erik Spoelstra another option and allow Miami to avoid leaning too heavily on Adebayo at the five.
His job would be to set hard screens, finish around the rim, battle for offensive rebounds, and protect the paint. Those responsibilities could suit him well on a roster loaded with creators and scorers.
The 28-year-old split the 2025-26 season between the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls, appearing in 48 games. In Phoenix, his minutes were limited to 9.1 minutes per game and just two starts in 28 games. His production increased significantly during his time in Chicago, where he averaged 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in only 22.4 minutes per game.
That type of production could be particularly valuable for a Miami team that needs more depth. Playing alongside Adebayo would allow Richards to focus more heavily on protecting the paint rather than constantly being exposed on the perimeter. Spoelstra could also pair him with Portis in certain frontcourt combinations, giving the Heat a useful balance of size, rebounding, and offensive spacing.
Richards is considering his options, and Miami may have competition. But if the Heat can convince him to join, they would add a traditional backup center without any major financial burden.