Nikola Jovic, Heat Agree to Four-Year, $62.4 Million Rookie Extension

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MIAMI — The Miami Heat are doubling down on their belief in young forward Nikola Jovic, agreeing to a four-year, $62.4 million rookie contract extension that solidifies his place in the franchise’s future. The deal, fully guaranteed, was confirmed by Jovic’s agents — Jeff Schwartz, Sean Kennedy, and Jared Mucha of Excel Sports Management — to ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday night. Jovic, 22, has shown flashes of potential since being drafted with the 27th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, though injuries and a crowded frontcourt have limited his availability. He has appeared in 107 out of a possible 246 games across his first three seasons with Miami, including a career-high 46 games last season before suffering a broken bone in his right hand in February. Despite the setback, the Serbian forward returned for the playoffs and made an impact in Miami's brief first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In Game 4, he posted a season-best 24 points, closing the series with averages of 9.5 points in 18.5 minutes per game.

The extension signals Miami’s confidence that Jovic is ready to take the next step — both as a contributor and a cornerstone. His 10.7 points per game last season marked a career high, and his development has been on an upward trajectory thanks in part to his consistent play with the Serbian national team over the past two summers.

"He's becoming more mature, more professional," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said at media day earlier this week. "And if you're hanging out with players much older than you, it just naturally happens. I've seen growth from him over three years because of that standard that they've had in that program."

Jovic, who made his NBA debut at 19 years, 139 days old, is the second-youngest player ever to suit up for Miami, behind only Dorell Wright in 2005. Now, with a new deal in hand and a bigger role expected, he’ll look to help lead a Heat team that’s seeking a return to Eastern Conference contention.

A Bigger Role Ahead

With veteran turnover and the franchise continuing to balance win-now urgency with long-term development, Jovic’s size, versatility, and improving offensive game make him a prime candidate to step into a more prominent role this season. Standing at 6-foot-10, Jovic brings a unique blend of shooting, ball-handling, and playmaking that fits Miami’s modern, positionless style. If he can stay healthy and continue to build on the momentum from last season’s playoff performance and a productive offseason with Serbia, Jovic may soon shed the "project" label and become a fixture in Spoelstra’s rotation.

For now, Miami has made its commitment clear — and Jovic has four years to prove he’s worth every penny.