"The Miami Heat have been publicly high on Nikola Jovic and his potential ever since the European forward was drafted back in 2022. It was reported that Jovic was kept off limits in summer trade talks to acquire Kevin Durant, which ultimately led to the Phoenix Suns doing business elsewhere. And then the Heat doubled down on Jovic's growth by committing to a four-year, $62.4 million extension at the start of this new 2025-26 campaign."
"That figure comes out to a little above $15 million annually- and set to be Miami's fifth highest paid player next season. Initially, that price tag seems like a bargain price compared to other rookie extensions elsewhere. Jovic was also coming off an outstanding summer of Euro Basket play, and is still just 22 years old. He remains an intriguing talent with untapped potential at his 6-foot-10 size with ball handling and floor spreading abilities."
"But the truth is that Jovic has been disappointing thus far to begin this campaign for Miami. Not only has Jovic struggled statistically, but he has yet to have a defined role in the Heat's rotation under coach Erik Spoelstra with this revamped roster. The front office essentially paid Jovic based on potential alone, which was a gamble from the beginning."
The Miami Heat prioritized Nikola Jovic since drafting him in 2022 and excluded him from summer trade talks targeting Kevin Durant. The team signed Jovic to a four-year, $62.4 million extension, making him Miami's fifth-highest paid player next season at just over $15 million annually. Jovic is a 22-year-old, 6-foot-10 forward with ball-handling and floor-spacing skills and strong EuroBasket performance. Jovic has underperformed to start the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 43.5% shooting and lacking a defined role in Erik Spoelstra's rotation. The front office committed based on projected upside, a gamble that weighs fit and development.
Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog
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