After igniting a historic turnaround at the University of Miami, the undrafted playmaker joins the Heat on a two-way deal, ready to leverage the league’s premier developmental system to silence critics.
MIAMI, Fla. – Jai Lucas inherited a not-so-glamorous situation when becoming the next head coach of the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program. Jim Larranaga retired midseason after 14 years at the helm, the team went 7-24, and the entire roster entered the transfer portal.
It’s a situation not many can overcome, especially for a first-time head coach, but Lucas didn’t falter to the challenge. Along with luring high school recruits Dante Allen and five-star Shelton Henderson, he brought several impactful veterans through the transfer portal, including Tre Donaldson.
After winning an SEC (Auburn) and Big 10 (Michigan) Tournament title, the incoming senior delivered experience and leadership to Coral Gables. Donaldson emerged as the Hurricanes’ leading facilitator, plus another scoring option. He averaged 16.4 points on 45.4 percent shooting, 3.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals – while appearing in all 35 games, including 33 starts.
Donaldson helped deliver one of college basketball’s historic turnarounds – leading the Hurricanes from 7-24 to 26-9. He earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference Second Team honors.
Although it was just one season, Donaldson left a remarkable impact. He declared for the NBA Draft but officially went undrafted after Wednesday night’s second-round event. Free agency didn’t last long as Donaldson reportedly agreed to a two-way deal with the Miami Heat.
The 22-year-old goes from Coral Gables to approximately 15 miles north to Biscayne Blvd.
Donaldson will participate in the Heat’s Summer League team, the California Classics, followed by the main event in Las Vegas. After the deal was reported, he went on Instagram Live to share a message:
“Chat, they’re in trouble,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Donaldson enters the best situation possible for any undrafted prospect. The Heat are the best in the NBA at discovering and developing overlooked talent. A few notable examples who are still active: Max Strus, Caleb Martin, Gabe Vincent, and Haywood Highsmith. Although none of them are members of the organization, the opportunity proved to be life-changing for the better.
If still on a two-way, Donaldson will very likely start the 2026-27 season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce – G-League affiliate. It presents an opportunity for him to further develop alongside NBA-caliber talent.
After including Kasparas Jakucionis in the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster deal, Donaldson provides the Heat with a replacement playmaker, plus scoring and intense defense. He’s listed at 6-3, 198 pounds, and is looking to prove doubters wrong.
The journey remains in the Sunshine State.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
