The Miami Heat became the first team to make decisions on its rookie scale team options for the 2025-20026 season as they decided to exercise the provisions in Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. per Tim Robbins of The Associated Press.
The Heat have picked up the fourth-year option on Nikola Jovic and third-year option on Jaime Jaquez Jr., keeping them under contract through 2025-26.
Miami Heat Make Decisions on a Pair Promising Youngsters
Jovic developed into a rotational player last year for the Heat after beginning the year in the G-League and coming off an injury plagued rookie campaign season. The 21-year-old, 6-10 power forward averaged 7.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 46 games, including 36 starts. He drained 1.4 treys while compiling shooting splits of 45.2/39.9/70.2%.
Jovic, who scored 20-plus points three times last season, demonstrated his potential during the Heat’s first round playoff series loss. He scored in double-figures on three occasions during the postseason and 17 total times overall.
Jovic produced one of his best games of the season in the Heat’s lone playoff win (Game 2 against Boston) with 11 points — on 4 of 5 shooting including 3 of 4 from deep — nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals in 24 minutes. He was
Jovic’s extension means that he is guaranteed $4.4 million for the 2025-26 campaign. He also becomes rookie extension eligible next offseason and could be a restricted free agent in 2027, if no extension is reached.
Meanwhile, Jaquez had a fantastic rookie season. The No. 18 overall selection in 2024 draft was chosen to the NBA All-Rookie first team as he compiled 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steals. He compiled one double-double while shooting 48.9/32.2/81.1% from the field.
The 22-year-old forward did struggle shooting from the perimeter, connecting on 23.1% on his attempts from 16 feet to 3-point line and 32.2% from deep. Still, Jaquez finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting and ninth in 6th Man of the Year.
With the extension, Jaquez will earn $3.86 million in 2025-26. Jaquez has a club option ($5.9 million) for 2026-27 with a deadline of October 31, 2025.
What Does the Extensions Mean for the Heat Going Forward?
Jovic and Jaquez project to have major roles this upcoming season as the Heat didn’t do much in the offseason. According to Five Reasons Sports, Jovic could have to battle Haywood Highsmith or Ke’el Ware for a spot with the first unit. Jaquez could also earn a starting nod, if Erik Spoelstra decides to bring Tyler Herro or Terry Rozier off the bench.
Jovic and Jaquez’s extensions mean that the Heat will have 11 players under contract for 2025-26 with salaries totaling over $191.0 million. Therefore, the Heat will likely be a major taxpayer for the second straight season. They are projected to pay $36 million in taxes this year and their tax is already at $10 million in 2025-26. However, Jimmy Butler has a $52.4 million player option and Duncan Robinson has a $19.8 million early termination option.
Butler has said he plans to play a couple more seasons and could re-sign with the Heat. But he is going to wait until the end of the season.
Robinson produced his best year in three seasons and shot nearly 40% from deep. Robinson may be in the mix for a starting spot. He has been much better as a starter throughout his career and that proved to be true this past season as well. Saying all that, it is hard to imagine that the 30-year-old will opt out.
But back to Jovic and Jaquez. It is possible that the Heat will flip Jovic around the trade deadline for a star or very good player. For example, Bleacher Report proposed a mock trade between Miami and Washington that centered around Kyle Kuzma heading to South Beach while Jovic would be among three players headed to the Capitol.
