In case the Miami Heat didn’t make it clear before, it has now. The team is serious about assembling a championship-contending roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
The Heat is expected to sign veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson to a two-year, $13 million contract once he clears waivers. Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks agreed to a contract buyout this week.
In the meantime, the Heat held onto former first round pick Nikola Jovic, who was widely speculated to be included in a trade for Thompson if the Mavs refused to buyout Thompson’s contract. Not trading Jovic for Thompson could serve even more fruitful for the Heat soon.
Miami Heat Expected to Move Nikola Jovic for the Right Star Point Guard
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 01: Nikola Jovic #5 of the Miami Heat reacts after making a three-point basket against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena on January 01, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
By retaining Jovic, the Heat has a considerable asset to deal in a trade for a star playmaker. According to team insider Ira Winderman, if the opportunity to add a star playmaker presents itself, Jovic wouldn’t be off limits in a trade.
“I see this all as a work in progress. Remember, Myron Gardner only has a partial guarantee, so there remains a means to bring in two additional players for the start of the season, with a buyout market that might not be done yet, with the Aug. 29 “stretch” deadline looming,” Winderman wrote in a subscriber-only Q&A. “And, yes, do not rule out trades. The Heat can express all the hope they want with Nikola Jovic, but if the right deal comes along for the right player, this will all be about go-time.”
The Heat has soundly addressed any worries about 3-point shooting, but what the team doesn’t have is a quality table-setter. Jovic is on a large enough contract that could land the Heat a star-caliber guard in a trade, especially if there’s a team out there that believes in Jovic’s upside. The Serbian forward is still just 23.
In a previous Q&A, Winderman noted that former Heat guard Gabe Vincent could be a target if a stronger option isn’t within reach.
“Dru Smith and Tre Donaldson would like a word. But, seriously, there would be something to be said for having a veteran NBA point guard in reserve. The difference, though, between Klay Thompson’s buyout and one for D’Angelo Russell is there might not be a guaranteed landing spot with the Heat. A potential better option might be Gabe Vincent on a non-guaranteed deal, should he prove amenable.”
Perhaps Miami Held on to Jovic to Trade Him Later
The Heat has quality depth at forward. Andrew Wiggins is firmly planted as the starting small forward, Antetokounmpo will start at power forward and Bobby Portis is another versatile option off the bench. Retaining Jovic is far from an absolute must.
According to NBA insider Brett Sigel, the Heat explored trade scenarios involving Jovic but ultimately decided to hang on to him.
“Despite the Heat internally discussing the idea of trading Jovic earlier this offseason after acquiring Antetokounmpo, specifically as they continued to map out their pursuit of LeBron James in free agency, the team ultimately decided against such a move,” Siegel reported for ClutchPoints. “After a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, Jovic enters the 2026-27 season with his four-year, $62.4 million extension that he signed last year kicking in. He will be on the Heat’s books for $16.2 million this upcoming season.”
It is possible that the Heat wanted to retain Jovic as a trade piece in a deal for a backcourt star after landing Thompson. Or, the Heat could keep Jovic until the trade deadline and hope he boosts his value enough to give Miami greater leverage in negotiating a stronger return.
Whether the Heat adds a star guard now or ahead of the deadline, the team cannot expect to win on the biggest stage until it adds a star floor general around Antetokounmpo.
Miami Heat Ready to Trade Former First Round Pick to Land Giannis a Star PG