The Miami Heat’s 14th standard roster spot was filled by free agent big man Nick Richards. There is still a vacant 15th that could be addressed, but recent reports suggest that Miami will likely begin the 2026-27 season with that final spot open.
The Heat have been linked to several veteran minimum options since the Richards signing— including but not limited to Gabe Vincent, Victor Oladipo and John Konchar (recently committed to the New York Knicks). Out of all the rumored candidates, a reunion with Vincent got the most traction.
Vincent would have added an insurance piece to the point guard depth, and one who was impactful with the team back in the 2022 and 2023 years. He left Miami for a payday to join the LA Lakers in the 2023 offseason, dealt with injuries and inconsistency during his tenure there and most recently was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last season. Now Vincent remains unsigned on the unrestricted free agent market.
Vincent was reportedly on board with a return to the Heat this summer.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald recently discussed the Heat-Vincent connection, stating that no offer has been presented to the 30-year-old guard:
“Though Gabe Vincent would welcome a Heat reunion, the Heat hasn’t made an offer to him. A case could be made for extending him a non-guaranteed deal to compete with Dru Smith in training camp, but Miami hasn’t presented that option.”
– Barry Jackson/Miami Herald
Additinally, Jackson iterated that Miami may “hold onto a (roster) spot in case something needle-moving shakes free in months ahead.”
Despite Vincent interest, and someone that Bam Adebayo has rumored to vouch for a potential reunion, it seems more likely that the addition of Richards will be concluding the Heat’s offseason work.
As Jackson noted, Miami has often left that final spot open in previous years in case of a buyout find midseason. Players like Zach LaVine and Jrue Holiday are candidates to monitor in that regard. Another potential option could be another Keshad Johnson promotion, who accepted a deal for the Heat’s third and final two-way slot.
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Check out Hot Hot Hoops on Facebook here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
- Pelle Larsson, Heat agree to new four-year $60 million extension
- Heat should lean into All-Star captain for “closing” role, clutch playmaking
- Gabe Vincent reportedly would’ve “welcomed a reunion” but Heat made no offer
- Franchise GOAT discusses LeBron James’ decision to join 76ers over return to Heat
- Recent mock trade idea has Heat finally landing longtime superstar target
There’s a reason why Gabe’s phone hasn’t been ringing
Yes, of course he would have welcomed a reunion since no team has offered him a contract so far. Some team will pick him up at some point, but I think it’s important for the Heat to leave the 15th spot open in case somebody comes available that could really impact the team more.