The New York Knicks have received bad news in their hunt for a backup center, with NBA insider Jake Fischer reporting free agent Nick Richards is likely to sign with the Miami Heat. This development shrinks the Knicks' realistic options as they look to solidify their frontcourt behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. The team's recent on-court success, including a 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14, 2026, and a current four-game winning streak, contrasts with this roster-building complication.
Why is Nick Richards heading to Miami?
NBA insider Jake Fischer, during his Bleacher Report livestream, stated he expects Richards to join the Heat barring an unexpected change. Fischer noted Miami's long-standing interest, saying, "They have been connected to Nick Richards for some time." Richards has been working out with Heat players at the Kaseya Center and was even photographed wearing team gear, building familiarity with the organization.
The Heat can offer a clearer frontcourt role behind Bam Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bobby Portis. Miami also has a practical roster opening. After signing Klay Thompson, they carry 13 players on standard contracts. Adding Richards as a 14th player would not eliminate their flexibility to add someone else later, a league-wide trend for preserving salary cap options.
How does this impact the New York Knicks?
The Knicks had considered Richards an affordable possibility after losing Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics in free agency. His traditional rim-running style, size, and rebounding made him a sensible fit behind Towns. Richards averaged 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds after joining the Chicago Bulls during the 2025-26 season. His ability to finish at the rim and create second-chance possessions would have addressed specific needs for New York's second unit.
Now, Richards becomes the latest center to come off the Knicks' board. They previously had an offer sheet for restricted free agent Moussa Cisse matched by the Dallas Mavericks. The team then signed veteran Andre Drummond to a one-year, $3.9 million deal. Drummond provides elite rebounding but is 33 years old. Adding a third center was seen as a way to manage Towns' workload and protect against injury.
What are the Knicks' remaining options?
The defending champions still have roster flexibility, which you can track on our [squad](/squad) page. New York has only 13 players on standard contracts and is the NBA's only team without a player occupying any of its three two-way slots. However, their list of available centers is getting shorter.
Fischer indicated Miami is likely to make Richards its 14th player while leaving the 15th spot open. This leaves the Knicks to continue scanning a thinning market. The team's strong recent form, with four wins in their last five games, shows their on-court product is sharp. But shoring up the center rotation remains an unfinished task before the season begins. Their search continues as other teams make moves.
