Forward Nikola Jovic said Wednesday in Las Vegas that he is relieved to still be a member of the Miami Heat after appearing in multiple offseason trade rumors. “I thought I was probably not going to be here, but I’m really happy,” the 23-year-old Serbian stated after a workout, noting the chance to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and learn from “one of the greatest power forwards ever.”
Jovic is coming off a down year, finishing 2025-26 with averages of 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 36.6% from the field and 26.9% from three over 47 games (17.2 minutes). He acknowledged that motivation slipped after signing a four-year, $62.4 million extension last October but said recent strong showings with Serbia’s national team have boosted his confidence.
Contract structure could make Wiggins movable
Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reported that Andrew Wiggins’ new agreement is considered team-friendly beyond next season. The wing opted into a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27, and the extension will pay a combined $34 million over 2027-28 and 2028-29. The manageable figures could place Wiggins in trade conversations before February’s deadline if Miami’s season stalls.
Hardaway Jr. on Heat radar
Jackson also examined the possibility of using part of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to sign veteran shooter Tim Hardaway Jr. The 32-year-old offers durability and perimeter scoring but is viewed as a below-average defender with mixed playoff results.
LeBron still shifts title odds
Columnist Chris Perkins of The South Florida Sun Sentinel argued that, although LeBron James is past his prime, Miami’s championship odds would rise significantly if the 22-time All-Star joins the roster. Perkins noted, however, that other interested teams appear closer to contention.
Keels seeks new contract in Summer League
Free-agent guard Trevor Keels holds no ill will toward Miami after the club declined a two-way qualifying offer last month. The 20-year-old, who spent most of last season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, is competing for the Heat in Summer League. Keels said previous stints with New York and Minnesota offered little playing time, adding that he intends to “earn a two-way back or earn a contract back” with Miami.
Source: Hoops Rumors
