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NBA Notes: Heat, Roster, Wizards, CJ McCollum, Nikola Djurisic

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 5:23 PM ET

The Miami Heat have taken a measured approach to the NBA offseason, making modest additions but largely sticking with the same core that finished 37-45 and fell in the first round of the playoffs.

Veteran scorer Norman Powell, rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis, and versatile wing Simone Fontecchio headline the newcomers, but the team’s best hope for improvement may come from within. As South Florida Sun-Sentinel reporter Ira Winderman points out, the Heat are banking on internal development to push them forward in 2025-26.

Among those expected to take on larger roles: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and Andrew Wiggins, acquired from Golden State at the trade deadline.

The Heat have consistently leaned on player development and culture to stay competitive, and that formula doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.

Smith Ineligible for Two-Way, Future with Heat Uncertain

While Dru Smith had been viewed as the frontrunner for the Heat’s final two-way contract, that option is off the table due to a provision in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.

As the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang reports, a player cannot spend more than three seasons on two-way deals with the same franchise. Smith, who has been on a two-way contract with Miami during parts of each of the last three seasons, is now ineligible to return under that designation in 2025-26.

The Heat did extend a qualifying offer to Smith in June — a standard, one-year minimum deal with a partial guarantee of approximately $102,000.

That could pave the way for him to be the team’s 15th man, but with Miami already over the luxury tax threshold, it remains unclear whether the front office will carry a full 15-man roster.

Miami currently has 14 players on standard contracts. The team’s two filled two-way slots belong to Vladislav Goldin and Myron Gardner, leaving one remaining vacancy.

Wizards Turning to Vets Middleton, McCollum as Mentors

The Washington Wizards aren’t expected to contend for the playoffs in 2025-26, but the front office still sees value in bringing in experienced voices.

Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum are the only players on the roster who are older than 26 or set to make more than $14 million this season, according to The Washington Post’s Varun Shankar. Both were acquired on expiring deals this summer, giving Washington cap flexibility heading into 2026.

More than anything, the Wizards view the pair as high-character leaders for a young team. While neither is expected to be part of the team’s long-term future, both are seen as positive influences as Washington continues to rebuild.

Hawks’ Djurisic Left Off Serbia’s EuroBasket Roster

Hawks second-round pick Nikola Djurisic will not play for Serbia in this summer’s EuroBasket tournament. The 21-year-old forward was left off the national team roster as part of a strategic decision by Serbian head coach Svetislav Pesic.

“There was a thought to include him as well, but we have a lot of experienced players in that position,” Pesic said, via Hawks.com. “Let him take a break from everything now. He spent a whole year in America.”

Djurisic signed his rookie contract with Atlanta earlier this month and is expected to split time between the Hawks and their G League affiliate in College Park. Pesic called him “part of the future of Serbian basketball.”