Miami Heat’s Strategic Options: Precious Achiuwa Reunion and Roster Moves

Introduction

The Miami Heat are actively exploring ways to bolster their frontcourt depth as the 2025–26 NBA season approaches, with recent reports indicating ongoing discussions with former first-round pick Precious Achiuwa. According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Heat have been in contact with Achiuwa, a versatile big man known for his athleticism and defensive flexibility. Additionally, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reports that the Heat are considering two primary options to facilitate this potential reunion: 1) waiving guard Terry Rozier to free up $1.72 million in cap space, allowing them to sign a big immediately while staying under the luxury tax, or 2) waiting until December to sign a veteran on a prorated contract without crossing the tax line. This 2,000-word analysis examines Achiuwa’s fit with the Heat, the implications of the two proposed roster moves, and the strategic considerations for Miami as they aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.

Precious Achiuwa’s Profile and History with the Heat

Precious Achiuwa, selected 20th overall by the Heat in the 2020 NBA Draft, spent his rookie season with Miami in 2020–21. During that season, he appeared in 61 games, averaging 5.0 points per game (PPG), 3.4 rebounds per game (RPG), and 0.5 blocks per game (BPG) in 12.1 minutes per game. His athleticism, energy, and ability to guard multiple positions made him a promising fit for Miami’s switch-heavy defensive system under head coach Erik Spoelstra. However, his offensive game was raw, with no three-point attempts and a reliance on hustle plays and transition scoring.

In the 2021 offseason, Achiuwa was traded to the Toronto Raptors alongside Goran Dragić as part of the sign-and-trade deal that brought Kyle Lowry to Miami. Since then, Achiuwa has developed into a solid rotation player, spending three seasons with the Raptors before being traded to the New York Knicks in 2023–24. With the Knicks, he averaged 6.6 PPG and 5.6 RPG while shooting 50.2% from the field in 57 games. His role diminished late in the season due to the return of Mitchell Robinson, but Achiuwa’s defensive versatility and rebounding ability remained evident. Now a free agent, Achiuwa is an attractive option for the Heat as they seek to address their frontcourt needs.

Miami Heat’s Current Roster and Frontcourt Challenges

The Heat’s frontcourt is anchored by Bam Adebayo, an All-NBA caliber player who excels at both the power forward and center positions. Adebayo has expressed a preference to play more at the four to reduce the physical toll of battling larger centers, a concern given Miami’s reliance on him for 30+ minutes per game. Behind Adebayo, the Heat’s center rotation is thin, featuring second-year big Kel’el Ware and two-way contract player Vladislav Goldin. While Ware shows promise, he is still developing, and Goldin’s two-way contract limits him to 50 games on the active roster. Other frontcourt options, such as Nikola Jović and Keshad Johnson, are better suited as power forwards, leaving Miami vulnerable at the center position.

Financially, the Heat are constrained, sitting just $1.8 million below the NBA’s luxury tax line as of September 2025. This limits their ability to sign a player even at the veteran minimum without making a roster move. The Heat’s reluctance to cross the luxury tax threshold, which carries punitive financial penalties, is a key factor in their decision-making process. With a roster spot open but limited cap flexibility, Miami must weigh the trade-offs of immediate action versus waiting for a more cost-effective solution.

Option 1: Waive Terry Rozier to Sign a Big Immediately

Overview of the Rozier Situation

Terry Rozier, acquired by the Heat in a 2023 trade with the Charlotte Hornets, has been a productive but polarizing figure in Miami. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 16.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 5.6 assists per game (APG), providing a scoring punch and playmaking alongside Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro. However, his $26.64 million salary for the 2025–26 season is only partially guaranteed at $24.92 million, making him a candidate for a buyout or waiver to create cap space.

Waiving Rozier would save the Heat approximately $1.72 million in cap space, enough to sign a player like Achiuwa to a veteran minimum contract while staying under the luxury tax. This move would allow Miami to address their frontcourt needs immediately, ensuring depth and flexibility heading into the season.

Benefits of Waiving Rozier

1. Immediate Frontcourt Upgrade: Signing Achiuwa or another big (e.g., Thomas Bryant, another former Heat player in discussions) would address Miami’s lack of depth at center. Achiuwa’s ability to play both the four and five, switch defensively, and contribute in transition aligns with Spoelstra’s system.
2. Luxury Tax Avoidance: By staying under the tax line, the Heat avoid significant financial penalties, preserving flexibility for future moves, such as trades or midseason signings.
3. Roster Flexibility: Waiving Rozier opens a roster spot and provides cap room to add a 14th player, allowing Miami to experiment with lineups and address other needs later in the season.
4. Achiuwa’s Fit: Achiuwa’s familiarity with the Heat’s system and culture, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him a low-risk, high-reward addition. His athleticism could complement Adebayo, allowing Miami to deploy switch-heavy lineups or small-ball configurations.

Drawbacks of Waiving Rozier

1. Loss of Backcourt Depth: Rozier is a proven scorer and playmaker, and waiving him would weaken Miami’s guard rotation. With Herro as the primary ball-handler and limited depth behind him, the Heat could struggle to replace Rozier’s production.
2. Financial Cost: Paying out $24.9 million of Rozier’s $26.6 million salary is a significant expense, especially for a player who remains productive. The Heat would need to be confident that Achiuwa or another big would provide enough value to justify this cost.
3. Trade Possibilities: Rozier has been the subject of trade rumors, and his expiring contract could be valuable at the trade deadline. Waiving him eliminates the possibility of acquiring assets in return, such as draft picks or a different player to address roster needs.
4. Team Chemistry: Rozier’s departure could disrupt team chemistry, particularly if his role as a veteran leader is valued in the locker room. The Heat would need to ensure that any new addition, such as Achiuwa, integrates seamlessly.

Option 2: Wait Until December to Sign a Veteran

Overview of the December Option

The second option involves waiting until December, when the Heat could sign a veteran to a prorated minimum contract without crossing the luxury tax line. This approach would allow Miami to maintain their current roster, including Rozier, while still addressing their frontcourt needs later in the season. By December, more veteran free agents may become available, particularly those bought out by other teams or unsigned players willing to accept minimum deals.

Benefits of Waiting Until December

1. Preserving Rozier’s Value: Keeping Rozier allows the Heat to maintain their backcourt depth and potentially use him as a trade asset. His scoring and playmaking could be critical early in the season, especially if injuries occur.
2. Increased Free Agent Pool: By December, the free agent market may include additional big men who could provide similar value to Achiuwa at a lower cost. Veterans like JaMychal Green or Daniel Theis could become available, offering experience and specific skills (e.g., shooting or rim protection).
3. Financial Prudence: Waiting avoids the immediate cost of waiving Rozier and allows the Heat to stay under the luxury tax without sacrificing a key player. A prorated minimum contract in December would fit within their current cap constraints.
4. Roster Evaluation: Delaying the signing gives Miami time to assess their roster early in the season. Players like Ware or Jović could emerge, reducing the need for an external addition, or the Heat could identify a specific need (e.g., shooting vs. defense) to target in free agency.

Drawbacks of Waiting Until December

1. Delayed Depth Solution: Waiting until December leaves the Heat vulnerable early in the season, particularly if Adebayo or Ware misses time. A lack of frontcourt depth could impact their performance in a competitive Eastern Conference.
2. Missed Opportunity with Achiuwa: Achiuwa may sign with another team before December, especially given interest from other franchises. His familiarity with Miami’s system makes him a unique fit, and waiting could mean losing him to a competitor.
3. Uncertainty in Free Agency: The free agent market in December is unpredictable, and the Heat may not find a player as versatile or cost-effective as Achiuwa. Relying on buyouts or unsigned veterans carries risk.
4. Tax Line Pressure: Even a prorated minimum contract could push Miami close to or over the luxury tax line, depending on other roster moves or salary adjustments. This could limit their flexibility later in the season.

Strategic Considerations

Luxury Tax Implications

The Heat’s proximity to the luxury tax line ($1.8 million below as of September 2025) is a critical factor. The NBA’s luxury tax imposes escalating penalties for teams exceeding the threshold, with additional restrictions under the second apron. By staying under the tax, Miami retains flexibility to make trades, sign free agents, or use exceptions (e.g., the mid-level exception) in future seasons. Waiving Rozier offers immediate cap relief but at the cost of a productive player, while waiting until December preserves short-term flexibility but risks missing out on key targets.

Playoff Aspirations

The Heat are built for postseason success, with a core of Butler, Adebayo, and Herro capable of competing with top Eastern Conference teams like the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. Achiuwa’s defensive versatility could be a valuable asset in playoff matchups, where he could guard stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid. His energy off the bench could also provide a spark in critical moments, aligning with Miami’s “Heat Culture” of toughness and resilience.

Achiuwa’s Fit in Miami’s System

Achiuwa’s athleticism, defensive switchability, and familiarity with Spoelstra’s system make him an ideal candidate for a reunion. He could serve as a backup center or play alongside Adebayo in small-ball lineups, providing flexibility and depth. However, his lack of a reliable three-point shot (31.0% career) could limit his offensive fit, particularly in lineups requiring spacing around Butler and Adebayo.

Alternative Options

In addition to Achiuwa, the Heat have been linked to former center Thomas Bryant, who played for Miami in 2022–23 and remains a free agent. Bryant offers more offensive polish, including a 36.4% career three-point shooting percentage, but lacks Achiuwa’s defensive versatility. Other free agents, such as Kai Jones or Trey Lyles, have also been mentioned, but their fit and availability are less certain. Trading Rozier instead of waiving him could also yield a frontcourt player, though trade partners and targets remain speculative.

Fan and Organizational Perspective

Heat fans may be excited about Achiuwa’s potential return, given his roots as a first-round pick and his growth since leaving Miami. His energy and defensive prowess align with the team’s identity, and his youth (25 years old) offers upside for development under Spoelstra’s guidance. From the front office’s perspective, signing Achiuwa on a minimum deal is a low-risk move with potential for high reward, especially if he can refine his offensive game in Miami’s system.

However, waiving Rozier could be a tougher sell to fans, given his contributions and popularity. The Heat would need to communicate that the move is part of a broader strategy to improve the roster and avoid the luxury tax. Waiting until December may be less disruptive but risks fan frustration if the team struggles early due to frontcourt issues.

Recommendation

Given the Heat’s immediate need for frontcourt depth and Achiuwa’s fit within their system, Option 1—waiving Rozier to sign Achiuwa now—appears to be the better choice. The $1.72 million in cap savings provides enough room to add Achiuwa without crossing the luxury tax, addressing a critical roster need before the season begins. While losing Rozier is a significant cost, his role can be partially offset by Herro, Jaquez, and other guards, and Achiuwa’s defensive versatility and energy could have a greater impact in the playoffs.

Waiting until December carries too much uncertainty, as Achiuwa may sign elsewhere, and the free agent market may not yield a comparable player. Additionally, early-season struggles due to a lack of depth could jeopardize Miami’s standing in the East, where every game matters in a tight playoff race.

The Miami Heat’s discussions with Precious Achiuwa signal their intent to address a glaring weakness in their frontcourt depth. By considering options like waiving Terry Rozier or waiting until December, the Heat are navigating a delicate balance between immediate needs and long-term financial flexibility. Signing Achiuwa now by waiving Rozier offers the best path forward, providing a versatile, cost-effective solution that aligns with Miami’s defensive identity and playoff aspirations. While challenges remain, including Achiuwa’s offensive limitations and the loss of Rozier’s production, the potential rewards of a reunion make it a strategic move worth pursuing for a team aiming to contend in 2025–26.