NBA Report: Heat Bring Back Versatile Forward; Controversial Sharpshooter Expected To Return To Pistons

With the regular season under a month away, several teams have started signing players to fill out their rosters ahead of official training camps. Among these, teams like the Miami Heat and the Detroit Pistons are expected to bring back some key rotation pieces, as reported by The Consensus.

The Heat have been fairly active this offseason. After trading for Norman Powell earlier this summer, Miami made some solid additions to its squad, including players such as Simone Fontecchio and Dru Smith.

While the general outlook has suggested that the Heat will be a middling team in the East next season, they have the potential to be a dark horse in the conference. But barring their concerns with the point guard position, the roster also faces a shortfall in the big man rotation.

To address this, Miami has been linked with several free agents. Among players they showed an interest in, the Heat were very closely tied with their former first-round pick from the 2020 NBA Draft, Precious Achiuwa. 

After extensive workouts with the team, Achiuwa seems to have earned himself a place on Miami's training camp roster, with reports claiming that the versatile forward has signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the team.

Considering their current roster makeup, the lack of a backup big man would effectively force the duo of Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware to share frontcourt duties, increasing the risk of fatigue and injury.

Adding Achiuwa to the rotation could be useful for the Heat. The former Knicks forward may be undersized in his position, but he makes up for it with his impressive athleticism, strength, and sturdy base. 

While being a capable rebounder and lob threat, he has also showcased development as a shot-creator and perimeter threat. Last season with New York, he averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds on 50.2% shooting from the field. Additionally, his agility allows him to defend multiple positions, making him a solid pickup overall.

The Consensus also reported, "Miami, currently $1.6 million above the tax, views Achiuwa as a potential rotation player if the team can rebalance its books. Achiuwa was eager to return, and sources noted Octagon’s longstanding relationship with Pat Riley and his front office was instrumental in finalizing the deal."

Achiuwa's familiarity with Miami's system is a bonus. Given that the Heat have 13 players on their final roster for the season, signing the former first-round pick to a guaranteed deal could be in their best interest.

Beasley Could Return To The Pistons

Among the several free agent guards on the market, Malik Beasley could be considered one of the more intriguing ones. After a rather controversial summer, featuring involvement in gambling investigations, the guard missed out on a significant contract opportunity.

Beasley garnered interest from several teams, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, too. Reports soon indicated that the Wolves and the Knicks would be turning their attention elsewhere.

Thus, the Detroit Pistons and the Cavaliers appear to be the primary suitors for the veteran sharpshooter. Following Cleveland's decision to sign Thomas Bryant to a non-guaranteed one-year deal, however, it seems more likely for the Pistons to emerge as a landing spot.

The Consensus mentioned, "Cleveland, having signed Thomas Bryant to a non-guaranteed deal, could still extend Beasley a similar camp offer to compete for a final roster spot. Still, multiple sources believe a return to Detroit on a one-year contract is the likeliest outcome."

Beasley was a crucial role player for the Pistons last season. After finishing second behind Anthony Edwards for the most three-pointers made during the regular season, he established himself as a significant contributor.

Last season, he averaged 16.3 points and 2.6 rebounds on 43.0% shooting overall and 41.6% from three. He also finished second in voting for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Given his defensive contributions, Detroit may re-sign the free agent guard to solidify its rotation for the 2025-26 season. But considering the number of active players on their roster, the Pistons may be forced to make some cuts before signing Beasley.