Predicting when every member of the Heat’s starting 5 might leave

Nikola Jovic

Contract: Two years remaining at $2.4 million next season and $4.4 million in 2025-26.

Age: 20

Jovic emerged as Miami’s starting power forward and flashed potential as a modern forward who can pass, dribble and shoot. At 20 years old, he might be Miami’s most intriguing young player.

At 6-foot-11, Jovic is also an ideal long-term fit next to Bam Adebayo. If he’s still on the roster next season, the Heat could extend his contract to ensure he’s in Miami through 2029.

But because of his intriguing skillset, Jovic could also be a valuable asset in a trade package to bring back a star. Rival teams trading a big-name player to the Heat would surely ask for at least one of Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr., coming off a first-team All-Rookie campaign, in return. 

If the Heat can only keep one, there’s an argument to be made for holding onto Jovic. It’s easier to replace wings than 6-foot-11 forwards who can space the floor.

In the scenario that Jovic is still on the Heat after this summer, there’s a good chance he signs a five-year extension next summer and remains on the team for several years. 

By the 2028-29 season, Jovic will be 25 years old and just entering his prime. He might also be in the final year of his contract (unless he signs another extension during it), which would make him a valuable trade piece. If Jovic develops into anything short of a star, you wonder if the Heat could trade him then to get a star player back. 

By 2028, Bam Adebayo will be in his 30s and Butler (no matter where he ends up) will likely be retired. If Jovic doesn’t get traded for a star this summer, maybe he could be that summer.

Prediction for when Jovic leaves: Summer of 2028