Heat rumors: The next potential signing after Klay Thompson

After the Miami Heat signed veteran guard Klay Thompson, they could be on the verge of inking veteran center Nick Richards ahead of the 2026-27 season. Richards has been seen practicing in Heat gear at the Kaseya Arena this summer. Joining Bam Adebayo and All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat added Thompson to their core.

As Miami rounds out the rest of their roster, the Heat are reportedly interested in signing Richards, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.

“As the Heat finalizes a deal with Klay Thompson for its 13th roster spot – a deal could be formalized as early as Sunday – work already is being done on the 14th spot, which the Heat prefers to use on a power rotation player who could log minutes at center or power forward,” Jackson reports. “There are a couple of other unidentified centers on Miami’s radar, and the Heat could opt to see if any big men become available before the NBA’s Aug. 29 deadline for teams to waive players but stretch their cap hits over multiple seasons.

“Richards — who has been working out with Heat players at Kaseya Center while dressed in Heat gear — averaged 5.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 14.6 minutes in 48 games and six starts for Phoenix and Chicago last season.”

Nick Richards has averaged 7.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 305 games (114 starts) over six seasons for the Charlotte Hornets, the Phoenix Suns,  and the Chicago Bulls. The Heat must sign a 14th player to either a guaranteed, non-guaranteed, or partially guaranteed contract before signing players to training camp tryout “Exhibit 10” deals.

“As a result, Miami has been waiting to formally sign Kansas guard Tre White, Louisville forward J’Vonne Hadley, Southern Cal forward Ezra Ausar and Clemson forward Ian Schieffelin to Exhibit 10 deals,” Jackson added. “Free agent forward Keshad Johnson continues to work out with the Heat and has talked to the team about a return, according to a source. Miami could bring back Johnson on a standard contract or on a two-way deal,” Jackson concluded.

The Heat will have until the August 29 deadline to finalize their roster.

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