One thing that has gotten lost in the Miami Heat's praise after pulling off a trade for Norman Powell is the fact that they're extremely thin in the frontcourt. And the San Antonio Spurs may have beaten the Heat to acquire a player who may have been an ideal backup big man.
The Spurs acquired Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and a 2026 second-round pick.
Olynyk is far from the perfect player at this point in his career, but in the right role, there's a reason to believe that he could still be helpful for a team. Add in the fact that he has a history with the Heat, and it's easy to see why he could've been a seamless addition for Miami.
San Antonio took a flier on him as they looked to solidify the frontcourt around Victor Wembanyama, a gamble that the Heat probably could've benefited from themselves.
Knowing the Heat, they were probably waiting for the opportunity to add a player like Olynyk if he had gotten bought out with the Wizards. Even though I suppose that's still an option, depending on how he looks with the Spurs to start off the year, Miami is probably going to have to pivot elsewhere if they're looking to add to their frontcourt before the start of next season.
The Heat's thin frontcourt could be a product of their unfinished business in the offseason
Considering how they've operated thus far into the offseason, there's a reason to believe that the Heat's roster isn't final yet. The frontcourt may be considered thin right now, with a three-big rotation of Bam Adebayo, Kel'el Ware, and Nikola Jovic, but a big reason why is that Miami may not be done making moves.
Even after the move for Powell, there's a sense that another move (or two) could be coming for the Heat. And if one does occur, you'd have to imagine that they'll prioritize making an addition to the frontcourt.
It's almost impossible to predict what the Heat may have planned next, especially considering that no one saw the move for Powell coming. However, it's a pretty safe bet that they almost have to make another move at some point over the next few months
Thanks to the Spurs, we can cross Olynyk off the list of potential backup bigs that they could target.
