The Miami Heat closed their NBA Summer League campaign with a 101-87 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center. According to team reports, the victory brought the Heat’s overall summer record to 4-4, including a 2-1 run in the California Classic and a 2-3 finish in Las Vegas.
Two-Way Contracts and the Rise of Tre Donaldson
Miami used its final summer league appearance to evaluate players likely to move on to training camp. Tre Donaldson, a former University of Miami player who went undrafted last month, emerged as a primary focal point. Donaldson recorded 20 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in the victory over Detroit.
Donaldson’s versatility was a key theme of the night. He played both on and off the ball and shot 8 of 12 from the field, including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. He also contributed seven points and four rebounds in his first eight minutes of play.
Donaldson and Vlad Goldin—who finished the game with eight points and five rebounds—are currently the only players in the starting lineup with contracts. Both are on two-way deals. Under NBA rules, teams can carry a maximum of three two-way players during the regular season; the Heat currently have one spot vacant.
Did you know? Two-way contracts allow players to be swapped out at any time, giving teams flexibility to move players between the G League and the NBA roster based on performance and health.
Evaluating Undrafted Talent and Roster Gaps
The Heat utilized the game to provide minutes to players who had limited opportunities across the eight-game summer schedule. Tre White, an undrafted forward from Kansas, scored 21 points through an aggressive performance.
Erik Spoelstra assistant Wayne Ellington, who coached the summer roster for the first time, praised White’s profile. “He’s got all the intangibles,” Ellington said. “He’s got the size. He’s got the shooting ability. He’s got the IQ.”
Other notable contributions came from the bench:
- Ezra Ausar: The undrafted Southern Cal forward recorded 15 points and six rebounds.
- Meechie Johnson: The undrafted South Carolina guard scored 13 points and added four assists.
Roster Status and Injury Updates
Not every prospect saw the floor on Friday. Guard Jahmir Young, who scored 30 points against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, was given the night off. Young is currently without a contract and is free to sign with any NBA team.
The Heat have also shut down several players due to injuries:
- Trevor Keels: Out with a knee injury (currently without a contract).
- Myron Gardner: Out with an ankle injury (holds a $500,000 guarantee for next season).
- Ryan Conwell: The second-round pick is out with a hip injury.
Pro Tip: When tracking “bubble” players, watch the two-way contract vacancies. Since the Heat have one open spot, high-performing undrafted players like Tre White or Jahmir Young could be candidates for that final slot before training camp.
Timeline for Training Camp and Media Day
The Heat’s summer evaluation phase is now complete. The team will not reconvene until the official media day at Kaseya Center on September 28. Training camp is scheduled to open the following day, September 29.
NBA Summer League Quick Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds/Assists | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tre White | 21 | N/A | Undrafted |
| Tre Donaldson | 20 | 8 Reb / 10 Ast | Two-Way |
| Ezra Ausar | 15 | 6 Reb | Undrafted |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who coached the Miami Heat summer league team?
The team was coached by Erik Spoelstra assistant Wayne Ellington.
What is the Heat’s total summer record?
The Heat finished 4-4, going 2-1 in the California Classic and 2-3 in the Las Vegas Summer League.
When does Miami’s training camp start?
Training camp opens on September 29, the day after the team’s media day.
How many two-way contracts can the Heat have?
The NBA allows a maximum of three two-way contracts per team during the regular season.
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