![\"Richaun](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-7-15-9.33AM.jpeg\")
The Washington Wizards waived Richaun Holmes on Monday (Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe Washington Wizards waived Richaun Holmes on Monday (Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
We are over two weeks into free agency. So far, the Miami Heat\u2019s biggest (and only) moves have been acquiring Simone Fontecchio for Duncan Robinson in a sign-and-trade and flipping Kyle Anderson plus Kevin Love for Norman Powell, opening up a roster spot.<\/p>\n
Though the latter expanded<\/a> an already-big hole in the team\u2019s frontcourt: The Heat don\u2019t have an established backup big man behind Bam Adebayo and Kel\u2019el Ware, who started 36 games last season. That\u2019s an issue.<\/p>\n While you could argue that Ware could head back to the bench (in favor of, say, Nikola Jovic) to help stagger more minutes, you still need a reliable insurance option behind both. And one recently waived big man<\/a> could help provide that.<\/p>\n Heat should entertain taking a flyer on Richaun Holmes:<\/p>\n I\u2019m not going to sit here and lie to you and say that the free agent market for centers is good \u2014 it\u2019s not. After Myles Turner signed with Milwaukee \u2014 which was an unrealistic option for the Heat anyway \u2014 the most ideal way to acquire a backup big was via trade.<\/p>\n That can still happen, but the Heat should kick the tires on Holmes first.<\/p>\n Miami has an open roster spot and is currently $1.6 million above the tax, according<\/a> to Yossi Gozlan\u2019s capsheets. The Washington Wizards waived Holmes Monday because his contract was only $250K guaranteed. The Wizards are overstocked with available roster spots, meaning moves need to be made before the new season.<\/p>\n Holmes, 31, averaged 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds across 17.2 minutes per game with the Wizards last season; on a per 75 possession basis, his numbers average out to 15.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. The 6-foot-10 big man played his best basketball with the Sacramento Kings from 2019-22, averaging 12.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 27.2 minutes (150 games; 136 starts). <\/p>\n At his best, Holmes, an athletic big man, can protect the rim, reward his teams multiple chances on the offensive glass and shred opposing big men with an elite push floater. <\/p>\n I doubt the Heat would push themselves deeper into the tax before removing themselves from it, but I expect them to dip under the tax ahead of next February\u2019s deadline, at the latest. More work still needs to be done, but buying low on Holmes gives their frontcourt more insurance while giving them a playable option. He may not wow you with impact or production, but the Heat need a steady option behind Ware and Adebayo \u2014 and they currently don\u2019t. <\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n To check out our other content, click\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter\/X\u00a0here<\/a>!<\/p>\n Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram\u00a0here<\/a>!<\/p>\n Subscribe to our YouTube channel\u00a0here<\/a>!<\/p>\n \t\t\t