Miami's hopes for a blockbuster 2026 free-agent haul have diminished as many top targets signed early extensions. The Heat face limited options and should pivot toward internal asset management. Fourth-year forward Nikola Jovic possesses 6'10" size, three-point range, ball skills and three-level scoring upside that could significantly increase his market value after EuroBasket and a potential breakout in 2025-26. A strong season could make Jovic an expensive restricted free agent, so negotiating a big-dollar extension now would protect Miami from losing a developing difference-maker. Prioritizing Jovic's extension offers more certainty than chasing uncertain 2026 options.
The Heat haven't abandoned hopes for their next whale hunt, of course, but it could be a while before the market puts a bona fide difference-maker within reach. Maybe that's just as well, since Miami should be making plans on a big-dollar extension. And, no, we're not talking about the tricky-as-all-get-out extension talks upcoming with Tyler Herro. Rather, we're spotlighting fourth-year forward Nikola Jovic, who might push his price tag up with a strong showing at EuroBasket.
And if that's merely a stage-setter for a full-fledged breakout during the 2025-26 campaign, he could be awfully costly as a restricted free agent next summer. Unless, that is, if the Heat make the smart play and work out an extension now. Securing Jovic's future is more important than holding onto long-shot hopes for 2026 free agency. A 2026 free agency pool that was once littered with stars already features merely a few flickers of hope.
Potential building blocks for Miami have already cemented their centerpiece statuses elsewhere. Free agency has given way to early extensions. Among the players to ink long-term pacts with their current clubs this offseason were Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, Kyrie Irving, De'Aaron Fox, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Oh, and a new deal for Kevin Durant could be coming at any moment.
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