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Why Tre Donaldson Can Make a Push For the Miami Heat's Final Roster Spot
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- Why Tre Donaldson Can Make a Push For the Miami Heat's Final Roster Spot
(Jeff Romance-Imagn Images)
MIAMI, Fla. – After missing out on a few veteran free agents, including Bruce Brown Jr. and John Konchar (both of whom signed with the New York Knicks ), undrafted prospect Tre Donaldson has an opportunity to chase the Miami Heat's last standard roster spot.
The 22-year-old had a career season with the Miami Hurricanes in Coral Gables. Donaldson averaged 16.4 points on 45.4 percent shooting, 3.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 35 games (33 starts). The former senior guard played a significant role in the Hurricanes' historic 26-9 turnaround season. He was the team's leading playmaker and provided a scoring punch, especially in the fourth quarter.
Ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season and the Heat's training camp, one standard roster spot remains open. Despite reportedly expressing interest in Konchar and Gabe Vincent still being available on the open market, Donaldson should be viewed as a notable candidate.
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The All-Atlantic Coast Conference Second Team recipient is currently on a two-way contract. Donaldson will be eligible for only 50 regular-season games; no playoffs. The Heat can promote him to the standard roster. Given the current free-agent market, Donaldson is the best option to strengthen the Heat's point guard depth.
As currently constructed, Davion Mitchell is the projected starter, with Dru Smith as the backup. However, Donaldson has higher upside as a combo guard. He can score on all three levels, looks to get teammates involved, and defend at a high level. Smith has an extensive injury history, including an Achilles and ACL tear.
Meanwhile, Donaldson appeared in 98.6 percent of games in his four-year collegiate career – 139 of 141.
After meeting the minimum 14-player requirement for the standard roster, the Heat can wait to promote Donaldson during the regular season. They can use up all 50 games available with a two-way contract, then sign him to a new deal. It would likely include a team option for the 2027-28 season.
Donaldson has proven to be a hard worker and resilient defender with a high motor. The Heat have a rich history with undrafted prospects. Duncan Robinson , Max Strus , Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin , and Haywood Highsmith are great recent examples. Donaldson took the opportunity to walk through the Heat's pipeline, which has led to extended NBA careers.
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In the Las Vegas Summer League, Donaldson showed flashes of his talents. He had a 20-point and 10-assist performance, including eight rebounds and a steal, against the Detroit Pistons . The Heat might have found another hidden gem, waiting to shine bright.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
