The New York Knicks may not retain a key bench piece at the center position this summer.
The New York Knicks' search for reserve production has resulted in a fruitful outcome, as the franchise has been able to nab skilled bench pieces such as Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele on team-friendly free agent deals.
While the Knicks have been able to add a few solid contributors this offseason, it seems as though one of their unrestricted free agents could be on his way out in the coming days or weeks.
Due to Mitchell Robinson's sensational 2025 postseason run and extended stretch of good health, New York may figure that he can truly take on the brunt of the team's backup center responsibilities, leaving fifth-year big man Precious Achiuwa in an awkward spot.
The 25-year-old, undersized center has become one of the best remaining free agent options at the center position prior to the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign, and a recent report has indicated that he might be headed to a fellow Eastern Conference squad.
"One team that could still use some frontcourt help this offseason is the Miami Heat," ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel wrote Tuesday evening.
"Not only does this fit make sense because Achiuwa can play behind Bam Adebayo and improve his all-around game, but the former Knicks big man recently purchased a two-bedroom condo in South Beach."
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"Miami has an open roster spot, and they can sign Achiuwa without crossing their first-apron hard cap."
Achiuwa's hypothetical acquisition by the Miami Heat would surely make sense, and the Knicks' silence with regard to potentially bringing him back for a second full season with the team is telling.
In 57 appearances for the Knicks in 2024-25, the former No. 20 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft to the Heat contributed 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 20.5 minutes. Achiuwa also showed a willingness to expand his range to the three-point line, though he only connected on 27.8% of his attempts from distance.
If Achiuwa were to move on from the Knicks, it wouldn't come as a shock due to his removal from the team's playoff rotation this past year. Then again, New York might be willing to include him in their future plans due to their coaching staff shakeup and recent hiring of 2-time Coach of the Year winner Mike Brown.
For a team looking to get the most out of their bench unit in 2025-26, it would certainly hurt to lose out on a productive frontcourt player with valuable playoff experience for nothing.
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