Following a dominant Summer League performance, undrafted rookie Tre Donaldson looks to join the ranks of South Florida’s developmental success stories with elite playmaking and defensive intensity.
MIAMI, Fla. – In the last six years, the Miami Heat have discovered several overlooked talents. Players such as Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Caleb Martin, and Duncan Robinson – all of whom carved out extended careers in the league following a stint in South Florida. The organization’s scout department is arguably the best in discovering under-the-radar prospects who later become impactful.
Following the Las Vegas Summer League event, Tre Donaldson could be the next name to emerge. In four games, he averaged 16.3 points on 52.9 percent shooting, 4.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.8 steals. Regardless of starting or coming off the bench, Donaldson found ways to leave an imprint on the game.
The Heat finished 2-3 overall and won’t compete for the Summer League title. Donaldson signed a two-way contract immediately following the NBA Draft. Despite not getting called to the stage, the 22-year-old continues to shine for South Florida basketball.
Donaldson is coming off a career season with the Miami Hurricanes program. He averaged 16.4 points on 45.4 percent shooting, 3.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 35 games (33 starts). Donaldson earned Second Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. Although it was only one season, the Tallahassee native became a foundation piece of the Hurricanes’ new chapter of men’s basketball.
The undrafted rookie is likely to start the 2026-27 NBA season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce – Heat’s G-League affiliate. Given the three standard roster spots still available, Donaldson could push to claim one. He can play on or off the ball, create offense for himself, score from all three levels, and facilitate.
In the Summer League, Donaldson shot 43.8 percent from behind the arc – averaging 1.8 makes on four attempts.
The Heat have a knack for finding hidden gems that might not entirely appeal to the scouting report from top to bottom. It’s led to team and individual success. Donaldson wound up in the best situation for any undrafted player. He has the motor and defensive intensity to compete in the league.
Donaldson will have opportunities to mesh with the main roster in training camp and preseason.
The Heat have championship aspirations, especially with the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster trade. President Pat Riley is looking to add a center and awaiting another LeBron James decision, but signing Donaldson for extra playmaking could emerge as another possibility to fill the roster. He's eligible for 50 regular-season games while on a two-way contract.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
