Miami Heat Pass on Jamir Young as Maccabi Tel Aviv Candidate Shines in Summer League

Jamir Young, a guard who played last season under a two-way contract with the Miami Heat and their G League affiliate, has attracted interest from Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv after excelling in the NBA Summer League. Despite averaging 26 points and 8.9 assists per game in the G League last season, Miami declined Young's $2.4 million player option to maintain salary cap flexibility for the upcoming season. Following LeBron James' decision to sign with Philadelphia, Miami's roster situation shifted, but the team still chose to focus on more experienced players rather than re-sign Young.

Young continued to play for Miami during the Summer League even after the team waived him, and reports suggested he might return on a two-way or training camp contract. However, Miami is currently prioritizing veteran acquisitions, targeting players like Klay Thompson, who remains under contract with Dallas, as well as DeMar DeRozan and Bradley Beal. The Heat plan to wait for Thompson's decision in the coming week, making a guaranteed contract offer to Young unlikely.

Young was among the Summer League standouts, averaging 22 points per game, but Miami's strategic focus on experienced talent reduces his chances of rejoining the team. His declined player option was fully guaranteed, meaning he would have received the full $2.4 million even if cut. With his strong Summer League performance, Young remains a potential candidate for EuroLeague teams such as Maccabi Tel Aviv.