As currently constructed, the Miami Heat roster needs some additional front-court depth. Outside of Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo, there’s no one who could anchor the paint as part of the second unit.
To make matters worse, Adebayo and Ware are both projected to be part of Erik Spoelstra’s starting lineup next season. That’s where Nikola Vucevic could come into the equation.
In a recent article by Dan Riccio of Hot Hot Hoops, Vucevic was floated as a logical trade candidate for Miami if it’s looking for a low-cost big man addition.
“The most realistic trade that the Heat could pull off may be for Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic,” Riccio wrote. “He is another name that has been on the trade market for quite some time now.”
Vucevic is reportedly available for the right price. He’s entering the final year of his current three-year $60 million deal. However, the two-time All-Star, coming off one of his best seasons in recent years, would undoubtedly welcome an opportunity to join a Heat team that’s only a year or so away from potentially contending.
Heat Could Target Precious Achiuwa
If a trade for Vucevic doesn’t appeal to Miami, then Precious Achiuwa could be another good option. The powerful big man is an unrestricted free agent this summer and would likely be available on a minimum contract.
In a July 29 article for ClutchPoints, Brett Siegel predicted that Achiuwa could sign with the Heat before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.
“One team that could still use some frontcourt help this offseason is the Miami Heat,” Siegel wrote. “Not only does this fit make sense because Achiuwa can play behind Bam Adebayo and improve his all-around game, but the former Knicks big man recently purchased a two-bedroom condo in South Beach…Miami has an open roster spot, and they can sign Achiuwa without crossing their first-apron hard cap…Prediction: Precious Achiuwa stays in Eastern Conference, joins Heat frontcourt behind Bam Adebayo.”
Achiuwa can play both power forward and center. That versatility, on both sides of the floor, could make him an interesting prospect for Miami. Especially as he would be considerably cheaper than Vucevic, both in contract and cost to acquire.
Targeting Another Big Makes Sense
The NBA has largely moved away from small ball. Sure, every team has the option to go smaller when they need the spacing or the additional pace, but for the most part, every high-level team is carrying multiple big men.
Therefore, Miami would certainly benefit from adding another big to the rotation. While Vucevic would be the more expensive option, he does bring a lot to the court, especially in terms of perimeter scoring and rebounding. Nevertheless, Achiuwa is cheaper and is by far the better and more versatile defender.
Miami could head into the new season with the current roster. However, if the opportunity to add another big does arise, they would be foolish to pass it up. After all, injuries are part of the game, and having the necessary depth is the only way to successfully navigate them.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post 2-Time All-Star Listed as “Realistic” Trade Target For Miami Heat appeared first on Heavy Sports.