Former Knicks big man Precious Achiuwa signs a non-guaranteed deal with the Miami Heat
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 25, 2025, 00:16 IST
Former Knicks center Precious Achiuwa has signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Miami Heat, closing the door on speculation that the Boston Celtics might pursue him to fill their roster needs. The deal reunites Achiuwa with the team that drafted him in 2020, while the Celtics enter training camp with their current center rotation intact.
26-year-old big man Precious Achiuwa, who played for the New York Knicks in the previous season, has signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Miami Heat, reports NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.com. The contract is for the veteran's minimum and provides Achiuwa with the chance to return to the franchise that drafted him back in 2020.
The signing puts to rest rumours that the Boston Celtics would seek out Achiuwa as they try to shore up their front line before training camp. Having one roster spot open, Boston was a realistic destination considered, but the team seems ready to go with its current depth at the centre position.
Achiuwa played 57 games in the regular season for the Knicks during 2024, with averages of 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. His minutes fell during the playoffs upon the return of Mitchell Robinson and played only eight playoff games, typically shortened to coming off the bench when starters encountered foul issues.
The 6-foot-9 power forward-center now returns to Miami, where he played his first season before being dealt to the Toronto Raptors in 2021. Throughout his career, Achiuwa has made a name for himself as a Swiss Army knife rebounder and energy player, but the notoriously tough free-agency market this summer left him, along with many others, having to accept non-guaranteed deals.
Other prominent veterans have inked similar agreements in recent weeks, such as Thomas Bryant with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet with the Knicks. The deals speak to the tough situation for older players wanting guaranteed roster spots since teams are turning more to younger cost-controlled players.
For Boston, the refusal to bid on Achiuwa indicates faith in the existing roster construction. The Celtics report to training camp on September 30 with Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman likely to fill backup frontcourt roles. They also signed veterans Luka Garza and Chris Boucher on minimum contracts and signed second-round draft pick Amari Williams to a two-way deal. In spite of losing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet in trades and free agency, Boston seems determined to assess its current roster before altering it any further.
Achiuwa's return to Miami gives the Heat another layer of depth as they head into another competitive year in the Eastern Conference. Though his contract gives him no guarantees, the reunion could be a win-win, allowing Achiuwa a chance to rebuild his career and the Heat to pick up an experienced piece at a low price.
The signing puts to rest rumours that the Boston Celtics would seek out Achiuwa as they try to shore up their front line before training camp. Having one roster spot open, Boston was a realistic destination considered, but the team seems ready to go with its current depth at the centre position.
Achiuwa played 57 games in the regular season for the Knicks during 2024, with averages of 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. His minutes fell during the playoffs upon the return of Mitchell Robinson and played only eight playoff games, typically shortened to coming off the bench when starters encountered foul issues.
The 6-foot-9 power forward-center now returns to Miami, where he played his first season before being dealt to the Toronto Raptors in 2021. Throughout his career, Achiuwa has made a name for himself as a Swiss Army knife rebounder and energy player, but the notoriously tough free-agency market this summer left him, along with many others, having to accept non-guaranteed deals.
Other prominent veterans have inked similar agreements in recent weeks, such as Thomas Bryant with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet with the Knicks. The deals speak to the tough situation for older players wanting guaranteed roster spots since teams are turning more to younger cost-controlled players.
For Boston, the refusal to bid on Achiuwa indicates faith in the existing roster construction. The Celtics report to training camp on September 30 with Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman likely to fill backup frontcourt roles. They also signed veterans Luka Garza and Chris Boucher on minimum contracts and signed second-round draft pick Amari Williams to a two-way deal. In spite of losing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet in trades and free agency, Boston seems determined to assess its current roster before altering it any further.
Achiuwa's return to Miami gives the Heat another layer of depth as they head into another competitive year in the Eastern Conference. Though his contract gives him no guarantees, the reunion could be a win-win, allowing Achiuwa a chance to rebuild his career and the Heat to pick up an experienced piece at a low price.