Before signing Precious Achuiwa, the Miami Heat explored the possibility of adding Mo Bamba in free agency.

NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that Miami showed interest in the 7-footer. Still, instead of bringing him in, the Heat opted to sign Achiuwa, who is back with the franchise that originally drafted him.

Bamba didn’t stay on the market long. The Utah Jazz quickly signed him to a new deal, giving the former Texas standout a new home.

Selected sixth overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2018 NBA Draft, Bamba entered the league with high expectations after a standout freshman season in college. However, he never fully blossomed into a consistent difference-maker in Orlando. After four and a half seasons, the Magic dealt him to the Los Angeles Lakers, and since then he’s also spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans Pelicans.

In 32 games last season split between the Clippers and Pelicans, Bamba averaged 4.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and one block in just under 13 minutes per game.

Meanwhile, Achiuwa returns to Miami four years after the team drafted him 20th overall in 2020. The big man only spent his rookie year with the Heat before being shipped to Toronto in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade. After three seasons with the Raptors, Achiuwa most recently suited up for the New York Knicks, where he played parts of the last two campaigns.

In 57 games with New York last season, the 26-year-old averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds. His best production came in 2022-23, when he posted career highs of 9.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

Achiuwa is expected to bolster Miami’s depth behind Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware, while Bamba will fill a similar role in Utah’s frontcourt alongside Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen.