Precious Achiuwa has agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, returning to the franchise that originally acquired him on draft night.
The Knicks were active this offseason, making several roster changes, but chose not to bring back Achiuwa. The 25-year-old forward/center played in 106 games across two seasons in New York after arriving as part of the R.J. Barrett trade. While never a star, Achiuwa provided steady minutes off the bench and gave the Knicks a versatile presence in the frontcourt.
Last season, Achiuwa averaged 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 0.8 steals in limited action. His production was stronger in 2023-24, when more playing time allowed him to post 7.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Despite his steady contributions, the Knicks’ wave of offseason additions left little opportunity for him moving forward.
New York re-signed veteran guard Landry Shamet and added more backcourt depth with Malcolm Brogdon and Jordan Clarkson. In the frontcourt, the Knicks signed Guerschon Yabusele from Philadelphia. Yabusele averaged 11 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists last year with the 76ers while playing nearly 27 minutes per game.
That leaves Karl-Anthony Towns, Yabusele and Mitchell Robinson as the Knicks’ primary frontcourt trio heading into the season. Second-year center Ariel Hukporti is also expected to remain on the roster as depth, though his lack of NBA experience combined with Robinson’s history of injuries raises questions about New York’s overall frontcourt stability.
With Achiuwa now unavailable, the Knicks’ roster appears to be set heading into next month’s season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, Achiuwa rejoins Miami and will look to carve out a meaningful role in the Heat’s rotation.