Nick Richards Trains with Heat, Eyes Rotation Spot Behind Giannis

Miami continues shopping to complete its roster. Nick Richards, an unrestricted free agent, recently trained with the Heat alongside other players in the same situation, according to sources close to The Miami Herald after the center himself posted images wearing the team's training gear.

That detail is significant: in August, when a free agent shows a franchise's gear on social media, the photo is usually part of the message. Richards is looking for a contract, and Miami still has two roster spots available to complete their lineup.

What He Would Bring

The 6'9" Jamaican, 28 years old, became a free agent after his contract with the Chicago Bulls expired. His last season, split between Phoenix and Chicago, produced solid averages of 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds. He's a true center: pick-and-roll finisher, offensive rebounder, and reasonable rim protector with no ball-handling pretensions.

And that profile fits Miami's most obvious need in their new project. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo set to share many possessions near the rim, the pure center spot behind both of them remains unfilled. A player who doesn't demand shots or spacing—just rebounds and blocks—is exactly what an expensive roster can afford at minimum salary.

For now it's just a workout, the typical August formula: teams organize sessions with multiple free agents, compare options, and decide calmly before the offseason camps. But among the available centers on the market—Kelly Olynyk and Kevin Love are the other recognizable names—Richards is the youngest and the only one with intact athleticism.