Jimmy Butler gave his backing to Miami Heat star, $62.4M decision shows his prediction was right

Jimmy Butler was right about Nikola Jovic after he signs new deal

Forward Nikola Jovic agreed to a four-year, $62.4 million rookie contract extension with the Heat before the start of the preseason.

Butler spent two and a half seasons with Jovic in Miami, getting an up close look at what he can do.

Butler knew Jovic was the kind of talent that was eventually going to get paid by the Heat.

After a game against the Hawks in 2024, Butler spoke to the media while he was still a member of the Heat and he was confident that Jovic had a big payday coming.

“I know who he is, I know the type of player he is. And I know, honestly, how much money he’s gonna make in this league.”

Nikola Jovic is ready to take the next step with the Miami Heat

Jovic is just 22 years old and he has played 107 out of a possible 246 games with the Heat since they selected him with the No. 27 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

In three seasons with the Heat, Jovic has averaged 8.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 107 regular-season games.

When Butler was with the Heat, he said that Jovic already looked like a seasoned veteran.

“He will play a significant role in all our games. This young man carries himself as if he’s been a part of all this for six or seven years already.”

Jovic was last seen playing with Nikola Jokic and Serbia at EuroBasket where he showed positive signs of growth.

The Heat showing their commitment to Jovic with this deal means he is expected to be a key part of their rotation moving forward.