MIAMI — The Miami Heat signed forward Nikola Jovic to a four-year, $62.4 million rookie extension on Wednesday, his agents told ESPN, a move that secures a rising rotation player while putting added focus on teammate Tyler Herro’s looming contract window. (See the Reuters report.)
Jovic, 22, averaged 10.7 points per game in 2024-25 and was the No. 27 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. The extension becomes effective when his current rookie deal expires and represents a significant investment in a player who has grown into a dependable role for Miami. For Jovic, the new contract also comes with an opportunity to push for a larger role this season while Herro rehabs a left foot injury.
“I want to earn the starting spot,” Jovic said at Heat media day. “I want to show people I can start. I can play, that I deserve the starting spot.”
The deal was first reported by the team’s reporting outlets and confirmed by the player’s representatives. Jovic’s official player profile and season statistics are posted on the NBA’s site.
Herro recovering, extension deadline looms
Herro, Miami’s starting shooting guard and a key offensive piece, underwent foot surgery that involved the removal of a bone in his left foot. Team officials initially projected an eight-to-12 week recovery window, but Herro told reporters he expects to be game-ready in roughly six weeks and that he has already told coach Erik Spoelstra he plans to return sooner than first estimated.
Herro’s contract extension window closes Oct. 20. If the Heat and Herro agree before that date, he is eligible for a three-year extension worth up to $149.7 million. If the sides do not reach a deal before the deadline they must wait until 2026 to pursue a different four-year structure that could push the maximum value higher. The timing adds urgency to negotiations and could shape Miami’s roster decisions in the short term.
“I’m really excited to play with Niko, to see how he rises his game. I expect him to have a tremendous season,” Herro said, praising his teammate’s progress.
What the extension means for Miami
Locking in Jovic gives Miami roster stability and salary-cap flexibility in certain scenarios. The extension rewards development from a second-round-to-rotation type talent into a player the franchise sees as part of its next phase. For the Heat, who have built a reputation for maximizing role players, the deal is consistent with a strategy that mixes long-term commitments to young talent with short-term veteran deals.
That said, the move sharpens the front office’s calculus. If Herro signs the three-year extension, the Heat must weigh how both contracts fit under the salary cap and how minutes will be allocated when both players are healthy. If Herro delays or seeks a larger payday next year, Miami will face more complex negotiations that could affect roster construction and free-agency flexibility.
Playing time and expectations
Jovic has shown the ability to contribute as a perimeter shooter and versatile forward, traits that fit well with Miami’s system hinging on spacing and switching defense. He has occasional bursts of scoring and is viewed by coaches as someone who can grow into a starter. The team will test that projection during the early portion of the season while Herro completes his recovery.
From a competitive standpoint, the Heat benefit from securing continuity. Young players on inexpensive deals help teams remain nimble in a salary cap era where veteran contracts can constrict options. For Jovic himself, the extension is a vote of confidence and a platform to expand his role.
Next steps
In the near term, the storylines to monitor are Herro’s recovery timeline and whether the Heat and his camp can reach an agreement before Oct. 20. How the team manages minutes, rotations and possible lineup changes while Herro is sidelined will reveal how serious the front office is about elevating Jovic into a larger role.
Longer term, the Heat will have to balance player development with competitive goals as they navigate a deep Eastern Conference. The Jovic extension signals a commitment to internal growth, while Herro’s pending decision will determine whether Miami preserves continuity or enters a fresh round of roster realignment.