Just days after the Miami Heat converted Keshad Johnson‘s two-way contract to a standard deal, the team quickly made another move to fill his spot. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Heat have signed point guard Isaiah Stevens to a two-way contract.
The Miami Heat are signing guard Isaiah Stevens to a two-way NBA contract out of their Sioux Falls G League affiliate, Matt Bollero of ProMondo Sports told ESPN. Stevens has had strong play in the G League this season, averaging 13 points and 11 assists.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 26, 2024
The rookie guard had a fantastic showing in the Summer League for Miami. In eight games, Stevens averaged 8.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. Furthermore, he shot 63.4% from the field and 66.7% from beyond the arc. Stevens is also having a solid season in the G League so far. Through 17 games, he is averaging 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and a league-leading 10.8 assists.
Miami Heat Sign Isaiah Stevens to Two-Way Contract
Isaiah Stevens’ Role in Miami
According to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang, Stevens is eligible to play 31 games for the Heat this season. Given that he is on a two-way contract, it is unlikely he will take on a consistent, full-time role this season. However, there is a legitimate opportunity for Stevens to earn a spot in the rotation.
Beyond Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier (who are each combo guards), the Heat have slim depth at the point guard position. Stevens provides this depth for Miami and can bring a lot of value on the court in a backup role for the team.
Regardless, it is unlikely that Stevens will play a major role in Miami right away. However, earning a two-way contract is a step in the right direction for the Summer League standout.
Major Shakeup On the Horizon for the Heat?
Adding Stevens is not a blockbuster move for the Heat. However, a major deal along those lines could be on the way for the team. Yesterday, Charania said that star Jimmy Butler would prefer a trade away from the Heat at some point this season. Additionally, the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang reported that the Texas native “is considered available on the trade market.”
Heat forward Jimmy Butler, whose relationship with the team has become somewhat strained, now prefers to be traded, ESPN reported Wednesday. Sources involved with Butler and the Heat both said that he has not formally requested a trade, but nobody has denied that he is unhappy. And Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, declined to comment on the report. A source who has spoken to multiple teams told The Miami Herald that Butler is considered available on the trade market.
Recently, Butler’s name has popped up numerous times in trade rumors. However, nothing has become official amidst conflicting reports. With Charania’s latest report, it seems that the Heat will likely trade the six-time All-Star ahead of February’s trade deadline.
As it pertains to where Butler could end up, there are multiple rumored destinations. This includes the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks. Ultimately, for the next few months, Butler will certainly be a player to monitor.
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