The Miami Heat’s winning culture is hugely down to how Pat Riley continues to lead the team. As a head coach, he won five NBA Championships across his career at the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. The three-time Coach of the Year has been the Heat’s President since 1995, and continues to play a major role in the present as well. However, sometimes, it may make sense to look to the past. 

Miami originally selected Precious Achiuwa with the 20th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He played 61 games during his rookie year, averaging 5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. However, the first time around, it did not prove enough for the Heat to keep him. In the 2021 offseason, they sent Achiuwa and veteran Goran Dragic to the Toronto Raptors in the sign-and-trade that brought Kyle Lowry to South Beach. It was a win-now move, the kind Riley’s always been willing to make(LeBron James, anyone?)

In what may prove to be a dramatic return to the franchise that first sent him away, the Heat have been linked to the now 25-year-old. As a matter of fact, Achiuwa, the free agent, who last played last season for the New York Knicks, averaging 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game, has already been approached by the franchise. Ira Winderman first reported the news, with Barry Jackson revealing that the Heat are yet to make an offer.

However, they have “indicated an interest if they are in position to make an offer down the road (they’re staying under tax at this time),” Jackson wrote on X. The player himself is understood to be interested in the move despite several other teams making an inquiry as well.

With training camp looming and an open roster spot on the line, Miami seems to be the frontrunner for the time being. It would mean a spectacular return to the franchise that first traded him. A an explosive and versatile big man who can finish at the rim, the Heat are looking to add a scoring threat off the bench and Achiuwa looks exactly in the mold.

The former Toronto Raptors man may not be a potential starter, but can easily be an important rotational piece who is available on a minimum contract. Achiuwa had previously signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Knicks and can be expected to agree to a similar number this time around as well.

A concern the Heat can’t ignore

The problem is simple the Heat have no clear answer at center behind Bam Adebayo. Kel’el Ware still needs to develop while Vladislav Goldin is an undrafted rookie on a two-way deal. Adebayo, who’s voiced his desire not to man the five full-time, remains the centerpiece.

But the Heat can’t afford to grind through another season forcing Bam into that role. They’ve lost size and toughness with Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson gone. As it stands, this is a thin rotation that needs help. Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that the Heat have been in “ongoing discussions with Precious Achiuwa” as they search for stability at the five.

Barry Jackson added on X, “Heat knows it probably needs to add a veteran big, with Precious Achiuwa among those contacted, as @IraHeatBeat noted. (Along with Kai Jones, etc.) Team has discussed 2 options: 1) Cutting Rozier (and paying him $24.9 M of his $26.6 M to go away) to add a big immediately while staying under tax. or 2) Wait until December, when they can sign a vet without surpassing tax.” This is where things get messy. The Heat have one open roster spot, but they’re $1.6 million over the luxury tax threshold. Adding even a minimum-salary player would push them deeper into tax territory, something Riley seems reluctant to do.

Terry Rozier’s partial guarantee, and he’s owed $24.9M of his $26.6M contract that has become the fulcrum. Waiving him would open just enough breathing room to add a veteran big. But that decision carries risk, if Rozier suffers a major injury before January 10, Miami would be on the hook for the full amount. Meanwhile, the timing feels right Precious has matured. The Heat are desperate, and the market is dry. Kai Jones and Thomas Bryant remain available, but Achiuwa has the advantage of familiarity. He knows Erik Spoelstra’s system, understands the defensive principles, and won’t need a playbook.

For a team staring at 37 wins from last season and a first-round sweep, small bets on upside matter. And while Achiuwa may never be the breakout star Miami hoped he’d become, he can be a stabilizer in a thin rotation. The Heat have until Media Day on Sept. 29 to finalize their camp roster. Teams can carry up to 21 players during the preseason. Miami currently has 17 under contract, with commitments to three others. The last spot remains unclaimed, for now. If Rozier stays healthy and no trade market materializes, expect Miami to delay any big-man signing until December, when the pro-rated minimum wouldn’t trigger the tax. But if Rozier is waived or dealt, Riley’s pivot could be swift.

Precious Achiuwa might not change the Heat’s ceiling, but he could raise their floor. At 25, he’s still young enough to grow. He has playoff experience. And he might just be the best option left.