Southeast Division Notebook: Jaquez Jr. eyes bigger role, Heat shed salary, Wizards embrace positional gamble
southeast-division-notes-august-16-2025
MIAMI — The Heat’s busy offseason — highlighted by the arrivals of Simone Fontecchio, Kasparas Jakucionis and Norman Powell and the departures of Kyle Anderson, Alec Burks, Haywood Highsmith, Kevin Love and Duncan Robinson — has forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. preparing for an extended adjustment period.
“It’s starting to become the reality,” Jaquez said of the turnover, according to the Miami Herald. “Your rookie year is an adjustment. In your second year you really understand the business. Guys you’ve built relationships with are gone. It’s definitely going to be an adjustment, but we’re excited to get new guys and try to win games.”
The 23-year-old endured reduced minutes in his second season and is spending the summer revisiting game film, polishing his shooting and defense, and refocusing on the traits that first earned him a rotation spot.
Highsmith trade eases tax concerns
Miami’s decision to ship Highsmith to Brooklyn was primarily a luxury-tax move, Ira Winderman wrote in the Sun Sentinel mailbag. Falling below the tax line spares the club from the repeater penalty and clears minutes for younger players.
Wizards unconcerned by positional imbalance
Washington’s roster is heavy on wings and light on traditional big men and point guards, but that profile does not trouble the front office, Josh Robbins reported in The Athletic. Executives are prioritizing upside, hoping one prospect develops into a franchise cornerstone and a few others reach All-Star caliber.
Hawks tender offer sheet
Atlanta extended an offer sheet to a restricted free agent Saturday, adding another subplot to the Southeast Division’s offseason maneuvering. Details of the offer were not immediately disclosed.
Source: Hoops Rumors
