MIAMI – As often has been the case, the Miami Heat are looking to their past as a potential answer for a current question.

In this case, the Heat have been in ongoing discussions with Precious Achiuwa, the team’s 2020 first-round pick, about a possible spot in the team’s power rotation, which is particularly limited at center.

Achiuwa and guard Goran Dragic were dealt to the Toronto Raptors in the 2021 offseason in the deal that brought in guard Kyle Lowry. Achiuwa since moved on to the New York Knicks, who opted to allow him to move on as a free agent this offseason.

The Heat rotation at center at the moment features Kel’el Ware, Bam Adebayo and Vlad Goldin. Adebayo has stressed a desire not to be cast at the position, while Goldin remains a developmental project, with his two-way contract limiting him to 50 games on the active roster during the regular season.

Achiuwa,  listed at 6 feet 8 and 243 pounds by the NBA, had filled in at center at times last season for the Knicks in the injury absence of Mitchell Robinson, with his playing time evaporating in the wake of Robinson’s return for New York’s run to the Eastern Conference finals.

While the Heat have expressed faith in a power rotation that also could include Nikola Jovic and Keshad Johnson, they also have been in contact with possible additions. Another former Heat center, Thomas Bryant, also remains unsigned, a free agent after finishing last season with the Indiana Pacers.

Although the Heat have an open spot on their standard roster, which is capped at 15 during the regular season, they currently lack room under the punitive NBA luxury tax to add a player even at the veteran minimum.

That has had the team concurrently investigating possible options with the contract of veteran guard Terry Rozier, who struggled last season, falling out of the rotation.

Rozier is under contract for the coming season at $26.6 million, of which $24.9 million is guaranteed.

Should the Heat waive Rozier, they then would have the space needed under the luxury tax to add a replacement player at the veteran minimum.

The Heat also could open such tax space for another player by merely waiving Rozier by the NBA contract guarantee deadline of Jan. 10, when all contracts become guaranteed. However, if the Heat were to take such a wait-and-see approach with Rozier and the veteran guard were to be injured and sidelined for the season, his full $26.6 million would be guaranteed.

There have been discussions about a Rozier buyout, but those talks have not gained traction, without any outside options for the veteran guard at the moment, as Rozier remains linked to a federal gambling investigation.

Achiuwa is coming off a $6 million salary last season with the Knicks, with few roster spots remaining around the league, as teams have tightened their books due to not only the luxury tax, but also the punitive tax aprons.

Achiuwa appeared in 57 regular-season games last season with the Knicks, starting 10, averaging 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game. He then appeared in eight playoff games.

Achiuwa has stood as one of the NBA’s leading offensive rebounders in recent years, but also has dealt with foul trouble.

Achiuwa joined the Heat as the No. 20 selection in the 2020 NBA draft that came just weeks after the Heat appeared in the pandemic-delayed NBA Finals. His selection after a single season at Memphis came as the Heat were seeking a replacement for power forward Jae Crowder, who had departed in free agency for the Phoenix Suns. The Heat’s move for Achiuwa came one selection before the Philadelphia 76ers drafted guard Tyrese Maxey.

Born in Nigeria and then raised in New York, Achiuwa is the son of Pentecostal ministers, with brothers named  God’sgift, God’swill and Promise, and sisters named Grace and Peace.

Teams are allowed to carry a maximum of 21 players under contract prior to the start of the regular season. The Heat currently have 17 under contract, with commitments to three others.

The Heat will hold their  annual media day on Sept. 29 at Kaseya Center, followed by four days of training camp in Boca Raton at Florida Atlantic University.

The Heat open their preseason Oct. 4 against the Orlando Magic in Puerto Rico, with their regular-season schedule opening Oct. 22 in Orlando.