Heat Trying to Offload Nikola Jovic After Giannis Trade, and His FIBA Showing Won’t Help

Nikola Jovic just dropped 22 points, grabbed a couple boards, and dished five assists for Serbia in a FIBA World Cup qualifier win over Switzerland. It was the kind of performance that reminds everyone why Miami gave him a four-year, $62 million extension last fall. But here’s the problem: the Heat are reportedly trying to trade him anyway.

According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Miami is shopping Jovic as a salary dump now that Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the roster and Andrew Wiggins got a three-year, $64 million extension. The Heat only have about $12 million in wiggle room under the first apron, so every dollar counts. Jovic’s contract — $15 million or so per year — is suddenly looking like a problem.

The game itself wasn’t exactly a nail-biter. Serbia bounced back from a tight first half to roll past Switzerland 97-73. Jovic shared the spotlight with Nikola Jokic, who put up a casual 22 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. Serbia improved to 3-2 in qualifiers. Switzerland is still winless.

But the real story here isn’t the scoreboard. It’s what happens next with Jovic in Miami.

Last season was rough for the 23-year-old. He played only 47 games thanks to an ankle injury and reduced minutes. His averages dropped to 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 17.2 minutes per game. He shot a career-worst 36.6% from the field and just 26.9% from three. That’s not what you want from a guy you just invested $62 million in.

On the other hand, Jovic has shown flashes when he gets consistent run. And with Norman Powell, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis all gone, there’s theoretically more playing time available. But the financial squeeze makes it hard to keep him around just for depth. Miami also added Tim Hardaway Jr., which doesn’t exactly scream confidence in Jovic.

The Heat haven’t confirmed any trade talks, and Jovic’s FIBA performance might actually boost his value enough to get a deal done. Teams love seeing a young wing hit shots and make plays in international competition. It’s just a question of whether Miami can find a partner willing to take on that contract.

For now, Jovic is doing what he can to stay relevant. But the numbers game in Miami is real, and it’s not going away.