Heat, Nick Richards agree to one-year deal

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Heat, Nick Richards agree to one-year deal

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Aug 27, 2026 3:54 PM ET

The Heat had another roster spot to fill. Nick Richards apparently was their guy all along.

Richards has agreed to a one-year contract with Miami, according to ESPN. The move gives the Heat their 14th player on a standard contract and some additional size behind their frontcourt starters.

It also comes shortly after Miami added Klay Thompson, as the Heat continue putting the finishing touches on a roster they hope can make another run in the East.

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 had been connected to Miami before the agreement. Marc Stein of The Stein Line recently described him as a “prime candidate” for one of the Heat’s remaining roster spots. So this one wasn’t exactly out of nowhere.

Richards, 28, is a 7-foot center who has spent most of his NBA career doing what you’d expect from someone his size: rebounding, protecting the rim and finishing around the basket. He’s not going to be asked to save the franchise.

Miami doesn’t need him to. The Heat needed another dependable big body for the regular-season grind, and Richards gives them one without much fuss or presumably much financial commitment.

Miami now has 14 players on standard contracts, leaving one spot available if it wants to keep shopping.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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