Expiring contracts and untapped potential turn Nikola Jovic, Davion Mitchell, and Bobby Portis Jr. into prime trade chips as the Miami Heat navigates a high-stakes championship window.
MIAMI, Fla. – As Pelle Larsson’s reported four-year, $60 million rookie-scale contract extension triggers a six-month trade restriction, it raises another question: who on the Miami Heat roster is expendable?
Here are three candidates who could be considered valuable assets and command a strong return:
Nikola Jovic
After four years in the league, Nikola Jovic has yet to play in at least 50 games throughout a regular season. He’s dealt with various injuries, but the potential is still there. Jovic signed a four-year, $62.4 million rookie-scale contract extension last summer, which kicks in this upcoming league year. If Jovic manages to show flashes and be productive, the Heat could sell high to potential suitors.
The former first-round pick turned 23 this summer, is listed at 6-10 and 205 pounds, and can shoot from behind the arc. Jovic has a career 34.1 three-point percentage. Although the Heat have belief in him, another organization could express more.
Jovic participated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers. He averaged 20 points on 66.7 percent shooting, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in four matches. Jovic dominated against Bosnia and Herzegovina with a game-leading 32-point performance. There’s momentum ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Davion Mitchell
Despite an anticipated jump in production, Davion Mitchell is on an expiring contract, which is usually very valuable in any trade conversations. He’s set to make $12.4 million, a flexible price range for several franchises. Last season, Mitchell produced new career-highs as a full-time starting point guard. He averaged 9.3 points on 49 percent shooting, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 70 games (all starts).
Although the 28-year-old is an embodiment of what the Heat value, it likely won’t be enough to halt any potential trade conversations. As Mitchell improves as a playmaker and is already one of the most prolific defensive guards in the league, it could gauge interest.
Bobby Portis Jr.
On Aug. 6, it marked the end of a two-month trade restriction involving all players in the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster trade, including Bobby Portis Jr. Like Mitchell, the 31-year-old is on an expiring contract and set to make $14.52 million this upcoming season, along with a $15.60 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Portis Jr. is a versatile forward who can play all frontcourt positions and can space the floor. He’s finished in the top 10 of Sixth Man of the Year voting three times in the last six seasons, including being a finalist twice.
Although the Heat could keep the group intact if they prove to be good enough to compete for a championship, the business of basketball shows no mercy to anybody.
The 2026-27 trade deadline is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2027.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
