Miami HEAT Roster Reload: Norman Powell, Simone Fontecchio Join, One Roster Spot and Two Two-Ways Still Up for Grabs

The Miami HEAT’s offseason reshaping is in full swing, and Pat Riley’s front office has made its first clear moves toward establishing a deeper and more dynamic roster for the 2025–26 campaign. With Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio now officially signed, the franchise has added offensive firepower and proven rotational value to a team still seeking to return to the Eastern Conference elite. While one main roster spot and two two-way contracts remain open—with one expected to go to Dru Smith—there’s growing anticipation about how Miami will complete its transformation before training camp.

Norman Powell arrives as a veteran wing with a championship pedigree and a lethal scoring touch. The 31-year-old averaged 13.9 points per game last season with the Los Angeles Clippers on efficient shooting splits: 48.6% from the field and 41.2% from deep. Miami has long valued perimeter shooting and two-way play in its wings, and Powell fits that mold perfectly. He offers a scoring punch off the bench—or possibly as a starter if needed—plus the ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions. His physicality and playoff experience also bolster the HEAT’s locker room, which has always valued battle-tested veterans with high basketball IQs.

On the other hand, the signing of Simone Fontecchio signals a more forward-thinking approach. The 28-year-old Italian swingman emerged as a hidden gem during his time with both the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons, showcasing versatility, length, and a knack for hitting shots in rhythm. Fontecchio averaged 10.4 points per game last season while shooting 39.4% from three, thriving in both spot-up and movement situations. At 6-foot-8 with solid defensive instincts, he gives Miami a valuable piece who can play either forward spot, switch defensively, and stretch the floor in a variety of lineups.

Powell and Fontecchio join a HEAT roster anchored by Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, both of whom remain under contract and central to the franchise’s plans. Adebayo, fresh off a season in which he averaged 19.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, continues to serve as the team’s defensive engine and primary big man facilitator. Butler, while aging and coming off an injury-shortened season, still commands defensive attention and leads with his playoff-tested intensity and clutch scoring. Assuming health, the Powell-Butler-Adebayo trio creates a flexible foundation on both ends of the floor.

Also returning is Tyler Herro, whose future with the team has remained a frequent topic of speculation amid trade rumors, but who remains a potent scorer and secondary creator. Herro put up 20.8 points per game last season and shot 39.9% from three, reaffirming his offensive value. Should he remain with the franchise, he offers another perimeter threat capable of initiating offense and punishing mismatches.

Other returning players include Nikola Jović, who showed flashes of growth in his second NBA season, and Jaime Jaquez Jr., whose rookie campaign was a revelation for Miami. Jaquez averaged 11.9 points per game and played with a maturity that made him a trusted option in big moments. The HEAT also retain Haywood Highsmith, Caleb Martin, and Josh Richardson, all of whom bring defensive versatility and spot-up shooting to the rotation. Though Martin’s free agency status remains unresolved at the time of this writing, there’s reported interest from both sides in reaching a new deal.

Josh Richardson, assuming full recovery from the shoulder injury that derailed his 2024–25 season, could provide a stabilizing presence off the bench. Miami’s system, built on defensive intensity and smart positional play, is tailor-made for Richardson’s instincts and energy.

Another piece expected to return is Orlando Robinson, who has grown as a backup big man, providing decent rim protection and offensive rebounding when called upon. With Kevin Love having opted into his player option, the frontcourt has enough veteran stability to complement Adebayo, though more athleticism or shot-blocking could still be on the shopping list as the offseason progresses.

Dru Smith is expected to fill one of the two-way contract slots. The 26-year-old guard has had multiple stints with the HEAT and continues to impress the organization with his defensive energy and adaptability. His familiarity with Erik Spoelstra’s schemes gives him a leg up on most two-way candidates, and he’s likely to contribute as a reserve guard during the regular season and potentially beyond if injuries arise.

As for the final roster spot and the remaining two-way opening, Miami is keeping its options open. The franchise could go after another veteran—perhaps a traditional center to back up Adebayo and Love more reliably—or take a swing on a younger player through Summer League scouting or training camp invites. The HEAT have consistently excelled in player development, turning undrafted or overlooked talent into playoff contributors, from Duncan Robinson to Max Strus to Gabe Vincent.

The team’s free agent flexibility is limited due to cap constraints, but Miami could still use veteran minimum deals, trade exceptions, or two-way spots to add depth. Given Pat Riley’s history, a surprise move is always possible, especially if a disgruntled star or undervalued rotation player hits the market.

With Powell and Fontecchio in the mix, Miami now possesses a blend of shot-making, defense, and veteran savvy that aligns with the franchise’s core philosophy. The roster is not yet complete, but the direction is becoming clearer: surround Adebayo and Butler with flexible scorers, versatile defenders, and high-character teammates.

Erik Spoelstra, one of the most respected coaches in the NBA, has once again been handed a collection of players with room to grow and defined strengths. Spoelstra’s ability to extract value from under-the-radar additions and creatively adjust schemes has been the HEAT’s X-factor for over a decade. With Powell and Fontecchio now at his disposal, expect Spo to experiment with more three-wing lineups, small-ball units, and late-game spacing variations to maximize Miami’s offensive and defensive potential.

Off the court, Miami’s culture continues to attract high-level talent who are willing to work, sacrifice, and buy into the “no-excuses” mentality. From weight room standards to film study expectations, the HEAT way is known throughout the league as one of the toughest but most rewarding environments to be a part of.

Powell is already embracing the challenge, noting in his introductory presser that he’s “excited to be part of a team that values toughness and winning above all else.” Fontecchio echoed similar sentiments, adding that “playing with guys like Bam and Jimmy, and for a coach like Spoelstra, is an opportunity you don’t pass up.”

With Summer League wrapped and the free agency market beginning to slow, the HEAT will turn their focus to finalizing the roster and preparing for training camp in early fall. Powell and Fontecchio will use that time to learn the playbook and build chemistry with teammates, while Spoelstra and Riley assess how to best fill the final spots.

The Miami HEAT aren’t just reloading—they’re evolving. With two new weapons already added, and a few more decisions left to make, the path forward is full of possibility. Powell brings proven production. Fontecchio brings upside. And the HEAT bring the system that consistently elevates those who are ready to buy in. One roster spot and two two-way contracts may not seem like much, but in Miami, every piece matters.