Nearly midway through the offseason, the Miami Heat have one open roster spot. And there’s still impactful free agent options out there for a discounted price. 
(Photo via Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports)

The Miami Heat were left with 14 of a possible 15-man roster following their trade for Norman Powell. Both Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson departed as part of the brilliant move by Pat Riley, Andy Elisburg and the Heat front office. 

But the team can benefit from filling that one remaining open roster spot. 

Luckily for Miami, there’s still some strong unrestricted free agent options out there that can come aboard for a discounted price. Keep in mind, the Heat don’t necessarily have to fill that spot with an outside signing. A two-way player, or even a familiar name in Dru Smith, could make it an in-house decision. 

However, with former two-way wing Keshad Johnson taking up a spot already, along with the underwhelming play of potential two-way additions from Miami’s summer league roster— the free agent market seems like the better move.

As promising as Smith looked, especially defensively in his stint under coach Erik Spoelstra last season, he is coming off a second consecutive season-ending injury. If any return from Smith is in the cards, another two-way deal seems like the safest bet. 

Instead, let’s dive into some low-cost, high-reward outside additions Riley can get his hands on.

1. Victor Oladipo

Former Heat rotation guard Victor Oladipo has been trending as of late around the NBA world. After suffering a torn tendon in his knee back in the 2023 postseason with Miami, he has yet to return to any team’s roster ever since. But after two full calendar years, the two-time All-Star has been vocal about eying a comeback.

In fact, Oladipo reportedly looked “impressive” and “in excellent shape” in a recent private workout in Las Vegas. Several team scouts were in attendance, reportedly including representation from the Heat.

He averaged 11.7 points per game in the three seasons he played in South Beach. And most notably provided impactful defense on the perimeter and occasional scoring bursts in a bench role throughout his tenure.

Whether a Miami reunion could be a real option on the table for Oladipo seems unlikely, considering the injury history. But it would assuredly still be a feel-good storyline to give the former fan favorite one last opportunity on a discounted minimum deal. 

2. Chris Boucher

Aside from the feel-good potential an acquisition of Lillard could be for the Heat, their real need is finding a backup big man. 

With Love being part of the Powell trade, Miami’s depth chart at the center position features only Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. And both are expected to be starters alongside each other. 

Toronto Raptors big man Chris Boucher may pose as the most talented option to fill that role for the Heat left on the market. At 6-foot-9 and a lengthy 7-foot-4 wingspan, Boucher is a versatile center that can impact the game both inside and outside.

He is coming off a 2024-25 campaign averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds on nearly 50% from the field and 36.3% from deep. Additionally, Boucher could reunite with the newly acquired Powell as a former 2019 NBA champion with Toronto. His experience at 32 years old aligns with the reliable insurance at the big position. 

3. Thomas Bryant

Speaking of familiar faces with ties to the Heat, Thomas Bryant is another serviceable backup that could instantly be reinserted in Spoelstra’s depth chart. 

Miami parted ways with Bryant prior to last season’s NBA trade deadline, which benefited the veteran big man in a remarkable NBA Finals run with the Indiana Pacers. He earned some valuable bench minutes in the postseason, but the Pacers have yet to extend an offer to bring Bryant back in the fold as an unrestricted free agent.

The 6-10 center has signed with the Heat for a veteran minimum deal in the past, and it’d be the same team friendly contract if the franchise entertains a quick reunion. He averaged 5.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.5 blocks on 55.5% shooting across two seasons with Miami. 

Despite a lack of consistent playing time during Bryant’s Heat stint, he always brought energy and passion as a respected locker room voice in that stretch.

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