Knicks’ Precious Achiuwa May Return to Miami Heat for Paint Depth Boost
A familiar face could be on the verge of making a comeback to South Beach as the Miami Heat explore options to enhance their frontcourt depth. Recent reports indicate that Precious Achiuwa, currently a free agent after his tenure with the New York Knicks, has caught the interest of his original NBA team.
Achiuwa’s Journey to Free Agency
Achiuwa, a 6-foot-8, 243-pound forward, was drafted by the Miami Heat as the 20th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, coming out of Memphis. Following a promising start to his career in Miami, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors in a deal that brought Kyle Lowry to the Heat. After a productive run in Toronto, Achiuwa found himself part of a significant trade that brought OG Anunoby to the Knicks, where he contributed during their playoff push, ultimately reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals.
In New York, Achiuwa signed a one-year deal but faced challenges. After a preseason injury sidelined him until early December, he finished the season with averages of 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds over 57 games. Unfortunately, his playoff contributions were limited, as he saw just eight appearances and averaged less than five minutes on the court.
Miami’s Interior Challenges
The Heat’s interest in Achiuwa comes amidst struggles in their paint game, particularly after being ousted in the first round of the recent playoffs. The team’s starting center, Bam Adebayo, has expressed a desire to expand his role beyond the paint, while younger players like Kel’el Ware and Vlad Goldin are still developing. Thus, a potential reunion with Achiuwa could provide the necessary depth and experience in the frontcourt.
Current Situation and Future Prospects
Despite the intrigue surrounding Achiuwa’s possible return, it remains uncertain whether a deal is imminent. The Heat are navigating their financial landscape carefully, aiming to avoid the second apron of the salary cap as they strive to reclaim their position among the Eastern Conference elite. With limited options available, Miami is weighing its moves while keeping Achiuwa in consideration.
In New York, the Knicks appear to have little room for Achiuwa, who would only be able to accept a veteran’s minimum contract. With Karl-Anthony Towns solidifying a spot in the starting lineup and Mitchell Robinson backed by ex-Philadelphia 76er Guerschon Yabusele, the Knicks’ interior rotation seems set for now.
Achiuwa’s future in the league remains uncertain, but the prospect of returning to Miami could provide him with an opportunity to reinvent his role and contribute to a team in need of his talents. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the unfolding developments surrounding this intriguing free agent.
