The Heat are bringing Precious Achiuwa back to Miami, but his spot isn’t guaranteed yet.
The former first-round pick signed an Exhibit 9 contract for the 2025-26 season that requires him to earn his place during training camp. The deal includes limited injury protection and won’t impact Miami’s salary cap unless Achiuwa makes the opening-night roster.
This move ends his free agency limbo, at least temporarily.
Teams across the league will be watching closely to see how he performs in the preseason. A strong showing could either lock up his spot with the Heat or attract interest from other NBA franchises looking for frontcourt help.
Achiuwa’s journey has been anything but straightforward.
The Heat originally selected him 20th overall in the 2020 draft. During his rookie season, he played in 61 games, putting up modest numbers of 5.0 points and 3.4 rebounds in just over 12 minutes per game.
Despite limited playing time, Miami saw something special in the athletic big man.
His time in Miami was short-lived, though. In August 2021, the Heat included Achiuwa in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade deal with Toronto. He spent three seasons with the Raptors, where his production jumped to 9.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in his first year there.
The Raptors eventually shipped him to New York alongside OG Anunoby.
With the Knicks, Achiuwa appeared in 49 games his first season and 57 the next, averaging 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds. Despite getting consistent minutes, he didn’t secure another contract with New York, opening the door for this Miami reunion.
Make or Break Preseason
The upcoming preseason will be absolutely crucial for Achiuwa’s career. Miami’s coaching staff will be evaluating everything – his conditioning, defensive intensity, offensive skills, and how he fits with the current roster.
A strong camp could mean a regular rotation spot. A disappointing showing might send him back into free agency.
This Exhibit 9 contract represents both opportunity and pressure for the 25-year-old. He’s returning to familiar surroundings, but nothing is guaranteed. Every practice, scrimmage, and preseason minute will matter for his NBA future.
