The New York Knicks are still hunting for help up front, but one of the names on their list is now gone. Nick Richards, a center the Knicks had been eyeing as a possible fit for their frontcourt, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“Free agent center Nick Richards has agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, sources tell ESPN,” Charania stated on X. “After signing Klay Thompson, the Heat fill roster slot No. 14 with a reserve big man.”
That leaves New York looking elsewhere as it tries to bolster a roster that has already changed since last season. The Knicks lost Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics in free agency, and while Jalen Brunson and the rest of the core remain in place, the team is still searching for more depth.
Richards would have been a useful option. He was one of the stronger centers still available on the market and could have given the Knicks another body behind Andre Drummond and Karl-Anthony Towns. Instead, he’ll fill the Heat’s 14th standard roster spot after their signing of Klay Thompson.
Charania did not report financial terms for the deal, and there was no word on whether New York made Richards an offer.
The 28-year-old split last season between Phoenix and Chicago, averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 48 games. His best stretch came with the Bulls, where he posted 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds across 20 games.
For the Knicks, the search continues. Richards was a target, but not the last one on the board.
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