Forward Simone Fontecchio said he prioritized continuity over salary by accepting a one-year, minimum-salary agreement to remain with the Miami Heat. The 30-year-old Italian, who earned roughly $8.3 million last season, told reporters during a Friday Zoom call that Miami’s limited cap space did not deter him from re-signing.
“I always wanted to stay in Miami,” Fontecchio said. “They told me, ‘We don’t have much room to operate,’ but I still wanted to keep building on what I started here. With the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, there’s a huge opportunity for the franchise and the city.”
Fontecchio, who arrived from Europe in 2022, added that a direct conversation with head coach Erik Spoelstra confirmed his decision. “Hearing his voice and his thought process helped me,” he noted. The forward averaged 8.5 points and shot 37.5 percent from three-point range last season and is eager to join a defensive front line featuring Antetokounmpo and six-time All-Defensive center Bam Adebayo.
Donaldson Accepts Two-Way Deal
Undrafted guard Tre Donaldson, a 6’2″ University of Miami product, signed a two-way contract with the Heat last week. “The Heat culture is the biggest thing,” Donaldson said Thursday. “I like to win, and they do a lot of that. I’m here to develop and get better.”
Conwell Shakes Off Slow Start in Summer Debut
Second-round pick Ryan Conwell overcame early shooting woes to finish his California Classic opener with 21 points, three rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes. The No. 37 overall selection, who recently inked a three-year standard NBA deal, said his gym work and the confidence of teammates kept him aggressive. “There’s no need to drop my head on one missed shot,” Conwell said.
Hardaway Jr. to Choose New Number
Tim Hardaway Jr. will not wear No. 10 when he joins his hometown club on a one-year, $6.5 million contract; that number was retired in honor of his father. “Even though he likes to wear No. 10, that is not coming down from the rafters,” Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. said on WQAM radio. Hardaway Jr. hit a career-best 40.7 percent from three-point range with Denver last season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
