Heat Use Mid-Level Exception to Sign Myron Gardner; Contract Roundup Across the NBA
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Miami, FL — The Miami Heat have elevated swingman Myron Gardner from a two-way slot to a standard contract that will pay him the prorated rookie minimum of $395,029 for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. Because the agreement extends beyond this year, Miami tapped into its non-taxpayer mid-level exception to complete the deal.
Gardner’s second season carries a $500,000 partial guarantee and will convert to his full minimum salary of $2,150,917 if he remains on the roster past January 7, 2027. The third year becomes fully protected at $2,525,901 if he is not waived on or before July 15, 2027.
Additional contract details
Phoenix Suns: Veteran forward Haywood Highsmith signed a two-year, minimum-salary contract that includes a $1 million partial guarantee for 2026/27. The deal also contains language safeguarding the team should Highsmith re-injure his surgically repaired right knee.
Atlanta Hawks / Denver Nuggets: Caleb Houstan (Hawks) and Spencer Jones (Nuggets) had their two-way contracts unilaterally converted to standard minimum agreements for the balance of the season. Houstan will enter unrestricted free agency this summer, while Jones will be eligible for restricted free agency.
Two-way signings: The Philadelphia 76ers (Tyrese Martin), Miami Heat (Trevor Keels) and Golden State Warriors (Jeenathan Williams) each inked one-year two-way deals. The Cleveland Cavaliers awarded Riley Minix a two-year two-way contract.
Source: Hoops Rumors
