The Miami Heat solidify frontcourt depth by landing a proven rim protector. Nick Richards brings veteran stability and rebounding to support Bam Adebayo.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Heat are reportedly signing free agent center Nick Richards to a one-year contract, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
Maxwell Saidman of Creative Artists Agency represents the 28-year-old.
In addition, Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman reports that the deal is non-guaranteed until the season opens.
Other than shooting, the roster needed a high-quality backup center. Despite having Vladislav Goldin on a two-way contract, the Heat weren’t likely to rely on the 25-year-old seven-foot Russian, who continues to develop with the organization.
Richards is a six-year league veteran who has played for the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns, and very recently, the Chicago Bulls. He was a second-round pick (No. 42) by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020. Richards was coming off three collegiate seasons at the University of Kentucky. After draft night, he was traded to the Hornets.
Richards slowly but surely showed he can be a reliable rotational center. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged a career-best 9.7 points on 69.1 percent shooting, eight rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 67 games (51 starts). Richards is capable of providing a paint presence with his 6-11 and 245-pound frame. He was measured to have a 7-4 wingspan ahead of the Draft.
The addition of Richards was critical, since the Heat traded seven-foot Kel’el Ware as part of the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo deal. He was a promising young talent, but concerns about effort were raised last season. Richards is a proven veteran with a steady track record.
Finding a decent backup for All-Star Bam Adebayo hasn’t gone smoothly for the Heat since the 2019-20 season. The options throughout the last six years have been Meyers Leonard, Kelly Olynyk, Dewayne Dedmon, Omer Yurtseven, Orlando Robinson (two-way), Cody Zeller, Thomas Bryant, and Ware.
The Heat have a couple of high-quality options on the roster. Alongside Richards, Bobby Portis Jr. can play as an undersized center who can space the floor. They will help take pressure off Adebayo’s shoulders.
Richards’ game revolves around the rim. He can play in pick-and-roll action, catch lobs, and post for a double-double on a given night. Richards has a strong chance to secure rotation minutes ahead of training camp.
The Heat still have a couple of standard roster spots available. Adding a backup point guard is likely the next pursuit option in a thin free-agent market.
Richards has an opportunity to contribute for a championship-contending team. He has yet to reach the playoffs, but the Heat will likely change that this upcoming season.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
