Heat Could Sign Former Wizards Big Man On Vet Minimum To Boost Frontcourt Depth

The Miami Heat have quietly been making some moves to improve their roster strength this offseason. With the addition of Norman Powell after a trade with the Clippers and the Jazz, the Heat have substantially boosted their roster strength.

Miami's current frontcourt rotation features a potent combination of Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware. In addition to this, they also acquired a solid big man through the draft in Vladislav Goldin. Although this frontcourt has potential, the Heat are fairly undersized.

In this regard, the free agency market could offer solid options to bolster their frontcourt. With specific reference to team-friendly contracts, the Heat could even consider signing former Washington Wizards big man Richaun Holmes on a veteran minimum deal.

After being waived by the Washington Wizards, Holmes is expected to be an unrestricted free agent on the market. At only 31 years old, he could be a great value pickup for the Heat.

Holmes had some of his productive seasons in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings. In his best season with the Kings, the 2020-21 season, the big man recorded a solid average of 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.

Following this performance, Holmes saw a gradual decline in productivity. His eventual move to the Wizards, however, helped him make a bit of a resurgence. Last season, he notched an average of 7.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks while averaging only 17.2 minutes played per game.

At 6'10", Holmes comfortably plays at either center or power forward. While he lacks floor-spacing ability, he is a very reliable presence in the paint. His signature push shot has been one of his more effective moves to secure easy points.

The Heat are widely expected to play Adebayo and Ware together in the starting lineup. With the increased expectations placed upon the 21-year-old, along with his commitment towards the team, Miami will have enough size in its starting rotation.

With Holmes on the bench, the Heat would be a significantly more balanced roster, especially when paired with a stretch big like Nikola Jovic. The potential for the two to become a formidable inside-outside threat against opposing second units is immense.

An added benefit of signing Holmes is his cap-friendly contract. If the Heat can sign him on a minimum deal, they will still have some wiggle room, although still above the first apron. This would allow them to strengthen the rest of their roster by making the necessary trades.

The Heat are always primed to make an appearance in the postseason, if not to make a deep run through it. In a weakened Eastern Conference, Miami has a realistic chance of securing a playoff spot as well. 

Having solid reinforcements in every position will allow the Heat to remain competitive, even in the case of injuries to their key players. With Holmes emerging as a capable, low-cost option, Miami could benefit from signing him this offseason.