Miami Heat Eyeing Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
The Miami Heat are looking to bolster their frontcourt depth, and a familiar face might be returning to South Beach.
NBA insiders report that Miami and former first-round pick Precious Achiuwa have “mutual interest” in a reunion this offseason. The 26-year-old forward is currently a free agent after spending last season with the New York Knicks.
There’s just one problem: money.
The Heat are dangerously close to crossing the luxury tax threshold, which has prevented them from extending a contract offer to Achiuwa so far. Sources say Miami might need to part ways with Terry Rozier to make the numbers work.
Achiuwa’s history with the Heat goes back to 2020, when Miami selected him with the 20th overall pick in the draft. He spent his rookie season with the team before being traded to Toronto in the deal that brought Kyle Lowry to Miami.
“Would welcome” a return to Miami, according to sources close to the situation.
Despite receiving offers from other teams, Achiuwa seems in no hurry to sign anywhere. With NBA training camps starting later this month and the season still over a month away, he has time to make his decision.
Last season with the Knicks, Achiuwa proved himself as a reliable bench player. He appeared in 57 games (starting 10) and averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
The Heat currently have 14 of their 15 roster spots filled, seemingly leaving one perfect opening for Achiuwa. But it’s not that simple.
Even signing Achiuwa to a minimum contract would push Miami over the luxury tax line. This explains why the team is considering parting ways with Rozier, who’s set to make $26.64 million next season on a contract that isn’t fully guaranteed.
Waiving Rozier would free up about $1.72 million in cap space – just enough to bring Achiuwa back into the fold.
For now, both sides seem interested, but the financial hurdles need clearing before any deal can be made. Heat fans will have to wait and see if their former first-round pick makes his way back to Miami in the coming weeks.
