The Miami Heat have completed the highly-anticipated signing of four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson. The catch-and-shoot specialist will play a pivotal role in providing spacing for interior-oriented stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. There's still room for improvement within the rotation, however, and two roster spots to fill.
In order to address those voids, the Heat's next two signings should be potential 3-and-D wing Ochai Agbaji and rim-protecting big Nick Richards.
Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald recently reported that the Heat intend to fill their 14th roster spot with a power forward or center. Jackson noted that Richards is a "player of considerable interest," although Miami will weigh its options before committing to any one player.
The interest in Richards is encouraging, but Miami should act swiftly to make him their latest addition before another team swoops in before them.
Agbaji is a bit more complicated, as he's coming off of a difficult 2025-26 campaign. He broke out as a high-level 3-and-D wing in 2024-25, however, and at 26 years of age, still has upside to explore. He's also a realistic candidate to sign a minimum contract.
With Richards filling a void at center and Agbaji acting as an affordable 3-and-D option with upside, the Heat shouldn't overthink an obvious path to improving the rotation.
Ochai Agbaji, Nick Richards would stabilize Heat's rotation
Richards found himself in a tough situation with the Phoenix Suns after the team drafted a center and traded for an up-and-comer at the position just when he seemed to be settling in. He's a proven and productive big, however, who offers well-rounded value along the interior.
That's proven to some degree by the fact that, over the past two seasons, Richards has recorded averages that translate to 14.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.1 offensive boards, and 1.6 blocks per 36 minutes.
Beyond the box score, Richards is an excellent rim protector and post defender. In 2025-26, he ranked in the 84th percentile in rim protection and the 96th percentile in post defense, per Basketball Index. He has limitations when defending in space, but playing minutes next to Bam Adebayo would help with that issue.
Richards would also be a nice fit next to Bobby Portis Jr., who spaced the floor with tremendous efficiency in 2025-26, as a force on the offensive glass and an efficient finisher inside.
Heat should prioritize Richards' proven quality, Agbaji's upside
As for Agbaji, the 2024-25 season showed how much quality resides within the raw tools he possesses. He finished that season with averages of 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.6 three-point field goals made in 27.2 minutes per game, shooting at a clip of .498/.399/.708.
Agbaji also ranked in the 94th percentile in perimeter isolation defense, the 99th percentile in off-ball chaser defense, and the 95th percentile in matchup difficulty as a defender, per Basketball Index.
Unfortunately, Agbaji shot just 26.6 percent from beyond the arc in 2025-26. He shot 34.9 percent after being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, however, and still finished the season in the 84th percentile in perimeter isolation defense. In other words: He's still a great defender and should shoot at least somewhat well in a stable situation.
Miami has plenty of options to consider, but if the goal is addressing weaknesses after the Thompson signing, then Agbaji and Richards should be their top priorities.
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