The Miami Heat kept moving after landing Klay Thompson, and their latest step was a practical one: adding another body to the frontcourt with free agent center Nick Richards.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, “Free agent center Nick Richards has agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat,” adding, “After signing Klay Thompson, the Heat fill roster slot No. 14 with a reserve big man.”
Richards, 28, arrives on the veteran’s minimum, giving Miami another option inside without cutting into its financial flexibility. He’s expected to work in a bench role, and the numbers explain why the Heat wanted him: career averages of 7.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 62.1% from the field.
Miami also kept another familiar face around. The team signed former Slam Dunk champion Keshad Johnson to a two-way deal, a move that continues his run with the organization after two seasons in Miami.
“The Miami Heat and Keshad Johnson have agreed to a two-way deal,” wrote Michael Scotto on X. “The former Slam Dunk Contest winner has spent the past two seasons in Miami.”
Johnson posted 4.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game last season, along with 0.5 steals and 0.3 blocks. His role remains small, but the Heat are still invested in his development.
These additions come after a busy summer that has reshaped Miami’s roster. The Heat finished 10th in the standings last season at 43-39, then saw Giannis Antetokounmpo arrive in July along with Bobby Portis from the Bucks. That trade changed the team’s identity and championship timeline overnight, but it also left holes in the supporting cast that had to be filled.
Tim Hardaway Jr. came in first after the Giannis deal, bringing floor spacing and veteran scoring. Klay Thompson followed, adding another proven shooter and winner. Richards may or may not be the final notable move, but he gives Miami exactly what it needed: size, depth, and a low-risk one-year commitment.
At 6’11”, Richards checks the backup-center box and gives the Heat more frontcourt flexibility. He chose Miami over other teams, and the Heat get a reserve big man who fits the roster without costing them much.
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