Miami Heat sign free agent center to complete roster
Free agent center Nick Richards has agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, sources tell ESPN. After signing Klay Thompson, the Heat fill roster slot No. 14 with a reserve big man. pic.twitter.com/gAsCfab8b4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 27, 2026
Richards, a 6-foot-11 center, gives Miami another physical presence in the frontcourt alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. The Heat had been looking for additional size and depth behind Adebayo.
Richards was spotted working out with Heat players at Kaseya Center in recent weeks. The workouts fueled speculation that the two sides could eventually reach an agreement, particularly with Miami searching for another traditional center.
It's the latest move for Miami to reshape its roster for the coming season. The Heat have already made other major additions this offseason, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Klay Thompson.
Richards isn't quite the same sort of headline-making acquisition, but his signing addresses an important roster need. The only issue is how often Richards will be available. He missed 59 games total over the last two seasons, and has never topped 67 games in a single year.
He spent the 2025-26 season with the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls, appearing in 48 games and averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per contest.