Nikola Jovic is one of those bright young stars that the NBA often keeps an eye out for. Very few individuals make the cut to get selected during the first round of the annual draft. The Serbian athlete was selected as the 27th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, Jovic only played during the first half of the Miami Heat’s regular season run before getting assigned to the G League. Even then, he managed to show great potential.
Recently, the 20-year-old has been included in various trade scenarios revolving around the Heat and Portland Trail Blazers. The athlete highlighted his intentions to stay with the Heat despite the developments taking place. He said, “It’s basketball. Whether I’m somewhere else or in Miami, I feel like I’ve got a lot more to learn. Of course, I’d love to be in Miami. Those guys are great and they helped me a lot. I would really love to stay with them and continue to grow in basketball and as a person, because they’re unbelievable, you know. What happens, happens. I hope I stay there. That’s all.”
Nikola Jovic on Damian Lillard trade rumors and his future: “It’s basketball. Of course I’d love to be in Miami. Those guys are great and they helped me a lot. What happens, happens. I hope I stay there. That’s all”
Interview on @SportalgrG: https://t.co/SQjv7QqphW #HeatCulture pic.twitter.com/XcGgtgXoAB
— Christos Tsaltas (@Tsaltas46) August 10, 2023
After spending time away from the court due to injuries, he made his return to the Heat during the NBA Finals. He has had decent success playing overseas which is why he can be given a shot by any team. Nikola Jovic averaged 18.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game during the U-19 FIBA World Cup. During a recent friendly match between Serbia and Italy, Jovic recorded 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. This clearly shows what the youngster is capable of.
The Heat have offered a package including Tyler Herro and Nikola Jovic for Damian Lillard
It has been over a month since Damian Lillard requested a trade to the Miami Heat. The 2023 Eastern Conference Champions have been putting in great effort in this scenario as they desperately want the 7x All-Star. However, as per league sources, the Blazers have not been satisfied with the offers Miami has made so far. They are actively searching for packages that match or exceed Lillard’s value all while keeping their future in mind.
Sending Damian to the Heat would immediately up his chances of winning a title. The Heat will duly benefit from his presence as he would be an offensive boost. Miami is known for being heavily reliant on defense with Jimmy Butler being its only source for scoring. Lillard averaged 32.2 points last season, which would work wonders on the Heat’s roster. But Portland’s unwillingness to settle has become a major problem now.
ICYMI: @GregSylvander says the Blazers prefer former #UCLA star Jaime Jaquez Jr. to fellow young Heat player Nikola Jovic in any potential trade packages for Damian Lillard.
Jaime to Portland gaining more steam. Do you think he’ll still be in Miami when the year begins? I say no pic.twitter.com/pObFIrWvZt
— Gavin Carlson (@GavinCarlsonDB) August 2, 2023
Miami has offered several packages including first-round picks and Tyler Herro. Their most recent offer included Herro, multiple first-round picks and swaps, second-round picks, expiring contracts, valuable players, and Nikola Jovic. While the Serbian athlete will remain as an asset in further packages, Portland has expressed their interest in Jaime Jaquez Jr., a recent recruit of Miami’s.