The Miami Heat are not projected to be among the best teams in the Eastern Conference, given the lack of talent on the roster. The organization appears to be focused on the development of its younger players and financial flexibility. The departure of superstar Jimmy Butler at last season's trade deadline triggered a reset.
The Heat had a somewhat eventful summer, most notably missing out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes to the Houston Rockets. However, the organization completed decent acquisitions in Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio. Both are on expiring contracts, which helps them maintain financial flexibility for the next free agency class.
Despite the trades, the Heat are without a true backup center. The lack of size has been their major missing factor over the last few years. They finally added a true big man in Kel'el Ware in last year's draft, but were five years too late.
Erik Spoelstra eventually started Ware alongside Bam Adebayo, running a double-bigs lineup, which was uncommon throughout the Butler era.
As the roster is currently constructed, Nikola Jovic is projected to be the Heat's backup center. However, the former first-round pick has shown that he does not play at his best in that position.
The Heat cannot sign a free agent at the veteran minimum without exceeding the luxury tax, which they are trying to avoid. If they were to add a backup center, it would likely have to be through a trade.
Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards has been made available in trade talks; reportedly, many teams have lined up with interest. The Heat have not been connected, but could be a potential landing spot for him.
Here is what a potential Heat-Richards trade package could look like:
Heat receive: Nick Richards
Suns receive: Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson
Also, an important note, Richards is on an expiring contract and set to make $5 million. He averaged 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shot 59.1 percent from the field in 57 appearances between the Suns and Charlotte Hornets. Richards would be a reliable backup center who provides size, rebounding, and rim protection.
Larsson was a second-round pick in last year's draft. He saw limited action on the court, but showed flashes of being a reliable role player. The European guard averaged 4.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and shot 43.8 percent from the field, 33.7 percent from three-point range in 55 appearances.
The Swedish native participated in the EuroBasket competition this summer. He averaged 18.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and shot 45.5 percent from the field in five appearances. However, Larsson didn't shoot efficiently from behind the arc, 25.8 percent.
Jaquez Jr. showed flashes of being a great player in his rookie season, but caught a case of the "sophomore slumps." Last season, he averaged 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and shot 46.1 percent from the field, 31.1 percent from three-point range in 66 appearances.
The Heat could trade both young players while their values are high, which makes the case stronger to go through the trade without giving up a draft pick. The organization has found ways to remain competitive despite the lack of talent, but adding a backup center, such as Richards, could help them rise as a threat once again in the Eastern Conference.